Google
This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project
to make the world's books discoverable online.
It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.
Marks, notations and other maiginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.
Usage guidelines
Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing tliis resource, we liave taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:
+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.
+ Refrain fivm automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.
+ Maintain attributionTht GoogXt "watermark" you see on each file is essential for in forming people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.
+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liabili^ can be quite severe.
About Google Book Search
Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web
at |http: //books .google .com/I
By I7<3<9,I7
HARVARD
COLLEGE
LIBRARY
'i*
DOCUMENTARY ANNALS
OP THE
REFORMED CHURCH OF ENGLAND;
BEING
A COLLECTION
OP
INJUNCTIONS, DECLARATIONS, ORDERS,
ARTICLES OF INQUIRY, &c.
FROM
THE YEAR 1546 TO THE YEAR 1716;
WITH NOTES HISTORICAL AND EXPLANATORY.
BY
EDWARD CARD WELL, D. D.
PRINCIPAL OF 8T. ALBAN's HALL.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. L
OXFORD,
AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS.
MDCCCXXXIX.
^ I'Joo.ffi
A
^
d
<
'3
\-
PREFACE.
/ rpHE laws and orders issued for the govern-
JL merit of the reformed Church of England,
and possessing authority to bind its members,
may be arranged under the three heads of
legislative, synodical, and mandatory ; the first
consisting of acts of parliament, the second of
decrees of s3mods confirmed by the sovereign,
and the third of royal mandates^. It is evi-
dent that in all these cases the assent of the
sovereign is indispensable ; and in the language
of law as well as of prerogative, the royal plea-
sure has been considered as the source of all
church authority ; and the different bodies that
took part with the Crown in the enactment of
a This statement is consistent with the celebrated judg-
ment of lord Hardwicke, in which it was ruled, that the
canons of 1603, not having been confirmed by parliament,
do not proprio vigore bind the laity. (2 Atkyns** Rep. 650).
For synodical and mandatory acts, in matters ecclesiastical,
though they cannot be enforced in aU cases proprio vigore in
courts of law, are still binding on every member of the church,
as such, in foro conscientise.
aS
vi PREFACE.
ecclesiastical laws, were looked upon as advisers
and counsellors, to be employed in their respec-
tive capacities according to the discretion of
the sovereign. Thus king James I. in his
proclamation ^ of October 1 60S, respecting the
alleged corruptions of the Church, says, ^ We
will proceed according to the laws and customs
of this realm, by advice of our council, or in
our high court of parliament, or by convocation
of our clergy, as we shall find reason to lead
us :" in sir Edward Coke's Reports "" it is stated,
" Albeit the kings of England derived their
ecclesiastical laws from others, yet so many as
were proved, approved, and allowed here, by
and with a general consent, are aptly and rightly
called the king's ecclesiastical laws of England :"
and the twelve judges^ declared in the year
1604, that " the king, without parliament, might
make orders and constitutions for the govern-
ment of the clergy, and might deprive them, if
they obeyed not*."
^ No. CXVI. vol. ii. p. 46. 1. 36. Wilkins, Concil. vol. iv.
p. 371. See also No. OXXXVI. vol. ii. p. 171 . note.
^ 5 Bep. de jure Regis eccles. p. 9<
d Oroke'« Rep. 2 Jac. p. 37.
/ « The same fact is expressed by archbishop Wake in the
' following manner : '' I say it is in the power of the prince to
make laws in matters ecclesiastical : and for the doing of this
PREFACE. vii
Of these three classes of records the first
must be collected by other hands, and the
second cannot be included within the present
undertaking. The remaining one has been
compiled in the first instance, as bearing more
directly upon the personal government of the
Church, and possessing a more extensive range
and operation than the others. Consisting, as
it does, of specific orders, it not only comprises
the records of its own particular class, but also,
when taken with its natural accompaniments,
includes the practical measures of the other
two, and exhibits them in their outward form
and pressure. The present volumes accord-
ingly contain Injunctions and Ordinances from
the Crown and the Privy Council, together
with such letters and orders, as being issued
by archbishops or their representatives, pos-
sessed authority, whether direct or derivative,
over the members of the church. Other papers
have been added, wherever they seemed neces-
he may advise with his clergy, and follow their counsel, so far
as he approves of it. Thus Charles the emperor made up his
capitular ; and thus any other sovereign prince may take the
canons of the church and form them in such wise into an
ecclesiastical law, as he thinks will be most for the honour of
God and the good of his people.''^ Appeal in behalf of the
Supremacy, p. 115.
a 4 .
viii PREFACE.
sary, from the connection they had withj im-
portant documents, or with the prominent fea-
tures of our ecclesiastical history. So that the
whole collection may be considered as repre-
senting the government of the Church, when
she has come forth from her sanctuary, and is
dwelling visibly and authoritatively among men.
The supremacy of the sovereign rests mainly
upon the statute (1 Eliz. c. 1.), which " restored
to the crown the ancient jurisdiction over the
estate ecclesiastical and spiritual, and abolished
all foreign powers repugnant to the same." By
that statute it is enacted, that ** such jurisdic-
tions, privileges, superiorities, and preeminences,
spiritual and ecclesiastical, as by any spiritual
or ecclesiastical power or authority have here-
tofore been, or may lawfully be, exercised or
used for the visitation of the ecclesiastical state
and persons, and for reformation, order, and
correction of the same, and of all manner of
errors, heresies, schisms, abuses, offences, con-
tempts, and enormities, shall for ever be united
and annexed to the imperial crown of this
realm." By another statute of the same period
(1 Eliz. c. 2, §. 26.), the sovereign was empow-
ered, with the advice of commissioners, or of
the metropolitan, to ordain additional rites and
PREFACE. IX
ceremonies, to be of equal force and authority
with those abready ordained by act of parlia-
ment.
It would appear from the principal act of
queen Mary', and the statutes repealed by it,
that the pope's jurisdiction in England was
comprised under the five ^ following heads :
1. He was acknowledged as chief bishop of the
Christian church, with authority to reform and
redress heresies, errors, and abuses within the
same. 2. To him belonged the institution or
confirmation of bishops elect. 8. He could
grant to clergymen licenses of non-residence,
and permission to hold more than one benefice.
4. He dispensed in the canonical impediments
of matrimony. 5. He received appeals from
the spiritual courts. So that the supremacy
of the crown in this respect may be summed
up in the words of Hooker \ after the follow-
ing manner: " There is required an univer-
sal power which reacheth over all, importing
supreme authority of government over all
courts, all judges, all causes ; the operation of
which power is as well to strengthen, main-
^ 1 and 2 Phil, and Mary, c. 8.
8 See Lingard, Hist. vol. v. p. 74, note.
^ Eccles. Pol. vol. iii. part i. p. 543.
X PREFACE.
tain, and uphold particular jurisdictions, which
haply might else be of small effect, as also
to remedy that which they are not able to
help, and to redress that wherein they at any
time do otherwise than they ought to do.
This power being sometime in the bishop of
Rome, who by sinister practices had drawn it
; into his hands, was for just considerations by
\ public consent annexed unto the king's royal
■seat and crown Our laws have provided that
the king's supereminent authority and power
shall serve : as namely, when the whole eccle-
siastical state, or the principal persons therein,
do need visitation and reformation: when in
any part of the church errors, heresies, schisms,
abuses, offences, contempts, enormities, are
grown, which men in their several jurisdictions
either do not or cannot help : whatsoever any
spiritual authority or power (such as legates
from the see of Rome did sometimes exercise)
hath done or might heretofore have done for
the remedy of those evils in lawful sort (that is
to say, without the violation of the law of God
or nature in the deed done), as much in every
degree our laws have fully granted that the
king for ever may do, not only by setting eccle-
siastical synods on work, that the thing may be
PBEFAOE. xi
Uieir act and the king their motion unto it, but
by commissioners few or many, who having the
king's letters patents, may in the virtue thereof
execute the premises as agents in the right, not
of their own peculiar and ordinary, but of his
supereminent power."
Large however, as is the field allowed by the
statute for the exercise of the supremacy, its
boundary is made more indistinct and at last
vanishes in the distance, when we include
within it the further range that was claimed
and recognised at different periods of our his-
tory, under the title of the king's prerogative.
It was decided in the well known case of
CawdryS that the act of supremacy (1 Eliz.
c. 1.) " was not a statute introductory of a new
law, but declaratory of the old;" and that if it
had never been enacted, " the king or queen of
England might make such a commission as is
there provided, by the ancient prerogative and
law of England." So that independently of the
powers acknowledged in the statute, there was
yet in reserve within the capacious bosom of
the common law an undefined authority, which,
being similar in its character, might also be
' Coke's fifth Report, p. 8.
\
xii PREFACE.
{ equal in its amount ^ to the omnipotence of
^ Rome.
But there was one power conveyed by the
statute that brought the supremacy of the
crown into constant and daily contact with the
people, and has therefore become a kind of
epitome in which the history of its progress
may most conveniently be read. It was enacted
that the sovereign might appoint commissioners
to exercise all manner of ecclesiastical juris-
diction, and to *^ visit, reform, redress, order,
correct and amend, all such errors, heresies,
schisms, abuses, offences, contempts and enor-
k The royal supremacy was frequently asserted in its ut-
most extent by queen Elizabeth ; as for instance in the fol-
lowing answer to a petition from the house of conunons con-
cerning reformation of discipline in the church, an. 1575.
'' Her majesty before the parliament had a care to provide
in that case of her own disposition ; and at the beginning of
the session she had conference therein with some of the
bishops, and gave them in charge to see due reformation ;
and if they should neglect or omit their duties therein, her
majesty by her supreme power and authority over the church
of England, would speedily see such good redress therein, as
might satisfy the expectations of her loving subjects.*" D'Ewes'
Journal, p. 267. This answer was " most 'thankfully and joy-
fully received by the whole house with one accord.*" The royal
supremacy, whatever may be the extent of it, has since that
time been often recognized and reserved in acts of parliament ;
as for instance, in the Conventicle Act, 22 Car. II. cap. 1 .
§.18.
PREFACE. xiii
mities whatsoever, which by any manner of
^spiritual or ecclesiastical power, authority or
jurisdiction, can or may lawfully be reformed,
ordered, redressed, corrected, restrained or
amended."
With the exercise of this power, and with
its natural consequences, were connected many
of the civil grievances, and almost all the eccle-
siastical contests, which, though treated with a
bold and masculine defiance by the government
of queen Elizabeth, were continually acquiring
strength and system under the more feeble
sway of her successors, and ultimately issued in
the downfal of the house of Stuart, and the
strict limitation of the prerogative.
The court of high commission, as established
by queen Elizabeth in the first year of her
reign, was constructed, with such variations
only as the circumstances of the case required,
after the plan adopted by her predecessor';
who, although the same kind of commission
had not been unknown in the reign of her
brother Edward", had found a more effective
model for it in the practice of the inquisition,
and the tender mercies of her Spanish consort.
J Seo No. XLV ♦. vol. i. p. 223, note,
m See No. XXV. vol. i. p. 91 .
xiv PBEFAOE.
Large and indefinite in their description, the
powers with which the court was provided
were soon found to be weapons difficult to be
wielded and easily eluded ; and during the
time of the two first protestant primates, Parker
and Grindal,the court derived its efficiency more
from the stern interference of the queen, than
from the exactness of its own regulations or
the energy of its judges. In the meantime it
bad already given rise to objections, and pro-
voked an extent of opposition, which called for
some immediate and decisive change in its
proceedings. But a primate was then ap-
pointed, who was equal to the emergency, and
with the support of his sovereign was ready
and desirous to engage in it. In the year 1583,
the first year of the primacy of archbishop
Whitgift, a new commission'' was issued, con-
taining express authority for administering the
oath ^^ ex officio" to the prisoner ; and the court
was provided with a series of questions, from
whose scrutiny, at once minute and compre-
hensive, he could not possibly escape. The
archbishop had seen the opposition prepared
for him, and boldly came forth in person as
n See No. CXLVI. vol. ii. p. 217, note.
PREFACE. XV
the assailant; and though lord Burghley re-
monstrated against his interrogatories, and
other members of the council were known to
be favourable to the non-conformists, he had
the cordial support of the queen, and his mea-
sures were successful. And this was the first
instance in which the authority of the church,
so recently established, was brought to a trial
of its strength, and in this instance every ex-
ternal circumstance was in its favour.
We might reasonably expect, as well from
this example of success, as from the natural
conditions of the case, that the other great
epochs in the history of ecclesiastical jurisdic-
tion would be found in the times of able and
resolute Primates. And such were Bancroft
and Laud, fitly compared with Whitgift in the
extent of their learning and the firmness of
their character, but thrown, and especially the
latter of them, upon periods of much greater
peril, and engaged in the cause of masters
much less powerful to protect them.
Many were the devices by which in process
of time it was sought to break the authority or
to evade the sentence of this formidable court.
It had inflicted the punishment of deprivation
upon Clergymen for refusing to observe the
xvi PREFACE.
Order of the Common Prayer ; and these de-
cisions were called into question, as a different
penalty was imposed upon the offence by the
Act of Uniformity. But it had been determined
in the case of Cawdry** that the ecclesiastical
supremacy was appertenant to the Crown in-
dependently of acts of parliament ; and the
question itself was decided ^ by the twelve
judges in the year 1604 in favour of the court.
The most dangerous resistance it met with was,
when the prisoner refused to take the oath
" ex officio" on the ground of its illegality, or
suspended the judicial proceedings by obtain-
ing a prohibition from the courts of common
law. Were these two points surrendered, the
citadel would be lost ; and archbishop Bancroft,
though eminently qualified by his knowledge
and intrepidity to defend them, had to encoun-
ter an antagonist in the person of sir Edward
Coke, who to the same great qualities of cha-
racter united a more reasonable cause, and the
most powerful supporters. In these vital ques-
tions "* the Primate was signally defeated. The
next commission, drawn up by the chief justice
himself, took away the penalties which had
*» Coke's fifth Report, p. 8. p Oroke s Rep. 2 Jac. p. 87.
q See No. CXXIII. vol ii. p. 82, note.
PiREPACE. xvii
hitherto made the questionable oath effective,
and the king was compelled to declare in
council on the decision of the judges that the
dreaded prohibitions must have their course.
King Charles I. appears to have obtained
from the influence of archbishop Laud a more
just conception ' of the Church in its relation
to the State than had been formed by either of
the sovereigns who immediately preceded him.
The same countenance which they conferred
upon the court of high commission for the
purpose of supporting the prerogative, he will-
ingly bestowed upon it for the protection of
the Church. In the commission " accordingly,
which was issued in the year 1687, was intro-
duced the ancient power of administering the
oath " ex officio,*' together with a penalty de-
signed to render it effectual, should the prisoner
still refuse to answer. It is impossible to sup-
pose, though there are many indications in its
favour, that the king and his councillor were
equally unconscious of the extreme perils by
which they were surrounded. Living in the
delusive atmosphere of a court, they still could
not be insensible to the dark and chilling
' See No. CXXXVI. vol. ii. p. 172, note.
' See No. CXLVI. vol. ii. p. 217.
b
xviii PEEFAOE.
masses of discontent, which lay heavily before
them, in whatever direction they proceeded*
And yet at this conjuncture they revived a
practice, which was odious in its nature and
had been decktred by the highest authority to
be* illegal, for the purpose of supporting an
institution already perishing from its own de-
crepitude. Doubtless it was received by the
rebellious spirits whom it was designed to sub-
due, with no other feeling than that of savage
exultation. Within a few years afterwards the
king was compelled to consent to an acf* which
swept away the authority of the high commis-
sion court, and shook to its foundations the
whole jurisdiction of the Church.
The court of high commission, though le-
gally extinct, had still one other epoch in its
history. King James II. under the evil advice
of popish councillors was induced to reestablish
it % with a title somewhat different, but with
powers equally objectionable : and the bishop
of London was summoned before it to answer
for an act of disobedience to the royal pleasure.
The king probably was of opinion that his pre-
rogative was too sacred to be affected by recent
« See vol. ii. p. 219. 1. 20. « 16 Charles I. c. 11.
^ See vol. ii. p. 308. 1. 26.
PREFACE. XIX
statutes, and that the supremacy of the Crown
was beyond the reach of subjects and their
legislatures. On the same principle accordingly
he not only dispensed with the execution of
laws in individual cases, a privilege, which in
more careful hands would have continued to
be undisputed, but he also destroyed the vi-
tality of the laws themselves by suspending
them in the whole compass of their operation.
The sequel is well known. On the revolution
effected by king William, the bill of rights
declared that the court of high commission,
under whatever form or title, was illegal and
pernicious ; and the principles of government
that were established at the same period, have
set their seal to its perpetual condemnation.
During the progress of this history and more
especially on the accomplishment of the great
revolution which has last been noticed, it is
evident that clearer and more narrow lines of
demarcation had been gradually drawn around
the king's prerogative. The court of high
commission has been abolished ; and together
with it has been abolished the power of grant-
ing dispensations^ in any case where it has not
been expressly reserved by statute. The claims
y See vol. li. p. 816, note.
bSI
XX PREFACE.
Of the prerogative are now to be interpreted in
every instance through the language of the law.
But the supremacy of the Crown, though crip-
pled in the way of evil, is still powerful and
supereminent for purposes of correction and
improvement. " It is neither permitted to
prelate nor prince/' says Hooker', " to judge
and determine at their own discretion, but law
hath prescribed what both shall do. What
power the king hath, he hath it by law ; the
bounds and limits of it are known. The entire
community giveth general order by law how all
things publicly are to be done; and the king as
head thereof, the highest in authority over all,
causeth according to the same law every par-
ticular to be framed and ordered thereby."...
" All men are not for all things sufficient ; and
therefore public affairs being divided, such per-
sons must be authorized judges in each kind, as
common reason may presume to be most fit :
which cannot of kings and princes ordinarily
be presumed in causes merely ecclesiastical ; so
that even common sense doth rather adjudge
this burden unto other men. We see it hereby
a thing necessary to put a diflference, as well
between that ordinary jurisdiction which be-
* Ecdes. Pol. vol. iii. P. i. pp. 655 and 54 9.
PREFACE. xxi
longeth to the clergy alone, and that commis-
sionary wherein others are for just considerations
appointed to join with them ; as also between
both these jurisdictions, and a third, whereby
the king hath a transcendent authority, and
that in all cases, over both,"
In a publication professing to illustrate the
general history of the Church, and to be appli-
cable in their several relations to all its members,
papers of a local or partial interest could not
properly be admitted. But there are cases,
when particular instructions, apparently the
most limited, are calculated, from the nature of
their subject, to be the best exponents of some
prevailing controversy, or may be employed as
substitutes for more general documents, which
cannot themselves be obtained. It is for these
reasons that such papers as Nos. CXXXVII and
CXLIII % though provided, the one for a given
» The orders issued by bishop Wren are the best repre-
sentation remaining of the sentiments entertained on such
subjects by archbishop Laud. It appears from the registers
at Lambeth, that though the archbishop sent out many
articles and orders for the cathedrals of his province, he did
not issue any such directions for the parochial clergy gene-
rally, but employed his vicar-general and the dean [of the
arches to visit the several dioceses; and that orders were
given in each particular case, as circumstances required
There are orders, for instance, given at Boston, in Lincoln,
shire, which enter minutely into detail as to the paving,
pewing, and other repairs of the parish church.
xxii PREFACE.
diocese, and the other for a single congregation,
may be considered as addressed to the Church
at large, acquiring accordingly a range and
importance, which would not otherwise belong
to them.
The coUection has been made principally
from the Concilia of Wilkins, revised and cor-
rected in many instances by a comparison with
original documents. Other papers have been
added, as they seemed to be of sufficient import-
ance, and could be obtained from authentic
sources. In the titles prefixed by Wilkins, and
here copied from him, his notation of time has
been retained, the year being made to com-
mence, according to the ancient custom of the
Churchy from the 25th day of March. In the
notes however the modem method of comput-
ing from the 1st of January has been constantly
followed. All papers connected exclusively
with the construction or revision of the Book
of Common Prayer have been purposely omitted ;
as they are sufficient both in number and con-
sequence to form a separate publication.
A record also of past events, sometimes pro-
ceeding to a great degree of minuteness, could
not be generally useful, unless it were accom-
panied by a copious Index. It is hoped that in
the present instance the Table of Contents
PEEPAOE. xxiii
and the Index combined, will afford every
assistance of that nature, which can reasonably
be required. The Index is partly verbal, and
partly descriptive of subject-matter; and the
Titles given in the Table of Contents are so far
in accordance with the ancient headings, as to
be easily identified with them, and yet have
been made to afford in many instances a better
insight into the documents which it is their
object to describe.
It will be observed that in some papers the
old and capricious mode of spelling has been
retained ; in others it has been reduced to rule
and modern practice. The best method of
editing ancient documents is to print them
exactly as they were first published; but in
these papers .that could not be done in every
instance, as some of them had already been
modernized by other hands, and it would be
either impossible, or at the least a waste of time
and labour, to find the originals and to take
fresh copies from them for the purpose of re-
storing their mistakes and archaisms. There
are some cases also, as at p. 226. 1. 25. vol. I.
in which it may be thought that manifest errors
have been republished, without any endeavour
to remove them. But in that instance as in
XXIV PREFACE.
others**, the passage has been printed exactly
after the MS. in the Tanner papers, it being
thought better to leave the correction of it to
the judgment of the reader, than to amend it
by any conjecture however plausible.
The notes, where they are not simply quota-
tions from other authors, have been compiled,
as much as possible, from the best sources of
information, with the view of accounting for the
first publication of the papers respectively, and
in some cases of recording the rise and progress
of a passing controversy. They will not be
found to advocate extreme opinions ; but they
are indebted in many instances, for remarks as
well as for suggestions, to writers of strong and
opposite predilections, to Burnet as well as
Strype, to Prynne as well as Clarendon, to
Neal as well as Collier, to Hallam as well as
Lingard.
b See vol. i. p. 110. 1. 34.
COLLECTION
or
INJUNCTIONS, DECLARATIONS,
ORDERS, &c.
I.
Papc Rom. Archiepitc Cant. Anno Chriati. I^g. An^iv.
Paul. III. la. Tno. Cranmeb. 15. 1546. EowAmo. VI. 1.
Commissw regia archiepiscopo Canttiar. ad esercendam
suam juri^dictionem. — Ex reg. Cranmer, fol. 28. b.
pDWARDUS sextus Dei gratia Angliae, Franciae et
Hibemiae rex, fidei defensor, ac in terra ecclesiae
Anglicanae et Hibemiae supremum caput, reverendissimo
Commissio regia] " The bishops were required to take out new com-
5 misaipns of the same form with those they had taken out in king Henry's
time ; only with this difference, that there is no mention made of a
vicar-general in these commissions, as was in the former, there being
none after Cromwell advanced to that dignity. Two of these commis-
sions are yet extant ; one taken out by Cranmer, and the other taken
10 out by Bonner. But this was only done by reason of the present junc«
tore, because the bishops being generally addicted to the former su-
perstition, it was thought necessary to keep them under so arbitrary
a power, as ^hat subjected them to ; for they hereby held their bi-
shopricks oily during the king's pleasure, and were to exercise them
15 as his delegates in hb name and by his authority. . . . But this was
afterwards judged too heavy a yoke ; and therefore the new bishops
that were made by this king were not put under it ... . but they were
to hold their bishoprics during life." Burnet. Hist. Ref. v. ii. p. 10. ed.
Oxf. 1829. See also Strype Cranm. v. i. p. 141. ed. Oxf. 1812.
10 Collier Eccl. Hist. v. ii. p. 218. fol. Lond. 1714.
VOL. I. B
2 Commism regia archiepiscopo Cantuari^rui. [I.
in Christo patri ac praedilecto consiliario nostro Thomae
Cantuariensi archiepiscopo, salutem. Quandoquidem
omnis jurisdicendi auctoritas atque etiam jurisdictio om-
nimoda, tarn ilia quae ecclesiastica dicitur, quam secularis,
a regia potestate velut a supremo capite, ac omnium ma- 5
gistratuum infra regnum nostrum fonte et scaturigine
primitus emanaverit ; sane illos qui jurisdictione hujusce-
modi antehaCf non nisi precario fungebantur, beneficium
hujuscemodi sit eis ex liberalitate regia indultum gratis
animis agnoscere, idque regiae munificentiae solummodo 10
acceptum referre, eique quoties ejus majestati videbitur
cedere convenit: nos tuis in hac parte supplicationibus
humilibus inclinati, et nostrorum subditorum commodis
consulere cupientes, tibi vices nostras, sub modo et forma
inferius descriptis, committendas fore, teque licentiandum 15
esse decrevimus. Ad ordinandos igitur quoscunque infru
dioecesim tuam Cantuarien. ubicunque oriundos, quos
moribus et litteratura, praevio diligenti et rigoroso exa-
mine, idoneos fore comperis, ac ad omnes etiam sacros et
presbyteratus ordines promovend. praesentatosque ad be- w
neficia ecclesiastica quaecunque infru dioecesim tuam Can-
tuarien. constituta, si ad curam beneficiis hujuscemodi
imminentem sustinend. habiles reperti fuerint et idonei,
et non aliter, admittend. ac in et de eisdem instituend. et
investiend. ac etiam, si res ita exigat, destituend. benefi- 25
ciaque ecclesiastica quaecunque, ad tuam collationem sive
dispositionem' spectantia et pertinentia, personis idoneis
conferend. atque approband. testamenta et ultimas volun-
tates, nee non administrationes committendas bononmi
quorumcunque subditorum nostrorum ab intestate dece- 30
dentium bona, jura, sive credita in diversis dioecesibus
sive jurisdictionibus aut alibi, juxta consuetudinem curiae
praerogativae Cantuarien. vitae et mortis suarum tempore
habentium calculum et ratiocinium, et alia in ea parte
expediend. testamentaque et administrationes quorum. 35
cunque tuae dioeceseos ut prius approband. et commit.
'547-1 Cammiisio regia archiepiscopo Cantuari&mi. 3
tend, causasque lites et negotia coram te aut coram tuis
deputatis pendentia indecisas, nee non alias sive alia
quascunque sive quaecmique ad forum ecclesiasticum per-
tinentia, ad te aut tuos deputatos sive deputandos per
5 viam querelas aut appellationis devolvendae sive dedu-
cendae, quae citra legum nostrarum et statutorum regni
nostri offensionem coram te aut tuis deputatis agitari, aut
ad tuam sive alicujus commissariorum per te, vigore hujus
commissionis nostras deputandorum, cognitione devolvi
10 aut deduci valeant et possint, examinandi et decidendi,
caeteraque omnia et singula, in praemissis sen circa ea
necessaria sen quomodolibet opportuna, praeter et ultra ea
quae tibi ex sacris literis divinitus commissa esse di-
noscuntur, vice, nomine et auctoritate nostris exequendi,
•5 tibi, de cujus sana doctrina, conscientiae puritate, vitaeque
et morum integritate, ac in rebus gerendis fide et in-
dustria plurimum confidimus, vices nostras cum potestate
alium vel alios* commissarium vel commissaries ad prae-
missa vel eorum aliqua surrogandi et substituendi, eos-
io deraque ad placitum revocandi, tenore praesentium com-
raittimus, ac liberam facultatem concedimus, teque licen-
tiamus per praesentes ad nostrum beneplacitum duntaxat
duraturas, cum cujuslibet congruae et ecclesiasticae coer-
tionis potestate, quacunque inhibitione ante dationem
^ praesentium emanata in aliquo non obstante ; tuam con-
scientiam coram Deo strictissime onerantes, et ut summo
omnium judici aliquando rationem reddere, et coram
nobis tuo sub periculo corporali respondere intendis, te
admonentes, ut interim tuum officium juxta evangelii
30 normam pie et sancte exercere studeas, et ne quern ullo
tempore unquam ad sacros ordines promoveas, vel ad
coram anlmarum gerendam quo vis mode admittas, nisi
eos duntaxat quos et tanti et tam venerabilis officii func-
tionem, vitae et morum integritas, certissimis testimoniis
35 approbata, literarum scientia et aliae qualitates requisitae
ad hoc habiles et idoneos clare et luculenter ostenderint
B 2
4 Injunctums given by Edward VI. [II.
et declaraverint : nam ut maxime compertum cognitum-
que habemus, morum omnium et maxime christianae reli-
gionis corruptelam a malis pastoribus in populum ema-
nasse, sic et veram Christi religionem, vitaeque et morum
emendationem a bonis pastoribus iterum delectis et as-s
sumptis in integrum restitutum iri hand dubie speramus.
In cujus rei testimonium praesentes literas nostras inde
fieri, et sigilli nostri, quo ad causas ecclesiasticas utimur,
appensione jussimus communiri. Dat. septimo die mensis
Februarii, anno Domini 1546. et regni nostri anno prime. lo
11.
PaiMB Rom. Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christi. Reg. Angliie.
Paul. III. 13. Tho. Cranmeh. 15. i547* Edward. VI. 1.
Injunctions given by the most ejcceUent prince Edward the
SiMhy by the grace of God^ king of England^ France
and Ireland^ defender of the faiths and in earth under
Christy of the church of England and Irelandy the su-
preme head. To all and singular his loving subjects^ as
well of the clergy as of the laity.
nPHE king's most royal majesty, by the advice of his
most dear uncle the duke of Somerset, lord protector
of all his realms, dominions and subjects, and governor of
his most royal person, and residue of his most honourable
Injunctions given] " In the act of parliament which Henry had pro- 15
cured for giving force and authority to his proclamations, (3 1 Hen. VIII.
c. 8.) a proviso was added that his son's counciUors, while he should
be under age, might set out proclamations of the same authority with
those which were made by the king himself. This gave them a full
power to proceed in that work ; in which they resolved to follow the 20
method begun by the late king, of sending visitors over England with
injunctions and articles... They next considered the articles and in-
junctions that should be given to the visitors. The greatest part of
them were only the renewing what had been ordered by king Henry
'54^0 Injunctions given by Edtcard VI. 5
council, intending the advancement of the true honour of
Almighty God, the suppression of idolatry and supersti-
tion throughout all his realms and dominions, and to
plant true religion, to the extirpation of all hypocrisy,
5 enormities and abuses, as to his duty appertaineth ; doth
minister unto his loving subjects these godly injunctions
hereafter following ; whereof part were given unto them
heretofore, by the authority of his most dear beloved
father, king Henry the Eighth, of most famous memory,
10 and part are now ministered and given by his majesty :
all which injunctions his highness \\illeth and com-
roandeth his said loving subjects, by his supreme author-
ity, obediently to receive, and truly to observe and keep,
every man in their offices, degrees and states, as they will
15 avoid his displeasure, and the pains in the same injunc-
tions hereafter expressed.
1. The first is, that all deans, archdeacons, parsons,
vicars, and other ecclesiastical persons, shall faithftiUy
keep and observe, and, as far as in them may lie, shall
JO cause to be kept and observed of other, all and singular
laws and statutes, made as well for the abolishing and
extirpation of the bishop of Rome, his pretensed and
usurped power and jurisdiction, as for the establishment
and confirmation of the king's authority, jurisdiction, and
H supremacy of the church of England and Ireland. And
furthermore, all ecclesiastical persons, having cure of
souls, shall, to the uttermost of their wit, knowledge, and
learning, purely, sincerely, and without any colour or dis-
simulation, declare, manifest and open four times every
30 year at the least, in their sermons and other collations,
daring Cromweirs being vicegerent." Burnet, H. R. v. ii. pp. 52. 56.
Sec also Strype Cranm. v. i. p. 207. Lingard, v. iv. p. 384. ed. 4to.
Collier, v. ii. p. 225. The more correct account of the matter appears
to be that the council acted under the authority of king Henry's will,
35 which had been made according to the powers given to him by
Btatntes 28 Henry VIH. c. 7. and 35 Henry VHI. c. i.
b3
6 Injutictmis given by Hdtcard VI, [II.
that the bishop of Rome's usurped power and jurisdiction,
having no establishment nor ground by the laws of God,
was of most just causes taken away and abolished ; and
that therefore no manner of obedience or subjection,
within his realms and dominions, is due unto him. And 5
that the king's power, within his realms and dominions, is
the highest power under God, to whom all men, within
the same realms and dominions, by God's laws, owe most
loyalty and obedience, afore and above all other powers
and potentates in earth. 10
Besides this, to the intent that all superstition and hy-
pocrisy crept into divers men's hearts, may vanish away ;
they shall not set forth or extol any images, relics, or
miracles, for any superstition or lucre, nor allure the
people by any enticements to the pilgrimage of any 15
saint or image : but reproving the same, they shall teach,
that all goodness, health and grace, ought to be both
asked and looked for only of God, as of the very author
and giver of the same, and of none other.
Item, That they the persons above rehearsed, shall »
make or cause to be made in their chiuxjhes, and every
other cure they have, one sermon every quarter of the
year at the least, wherein they shall purely and sincerely
declare the word of God : and in the same, exhort their
hearers to the works of fiiith, mercy, and charity, spe- 25
cially prescribed and commanded in scripture ; and that
works devised by men's fantasies, besides scripture, as
wandering to pilgrimages, offering of money, candles, or
tapers, or relics, or images, or kissing and licking of the
same, praying upon beads, or such like superstition, have 30
not only no promise of reward in scripture for doing
of them, but contrariwise, great threats, and maledic-
tions of God, for that they be things tending to idolatry
and superstition, which of all other offences God Al-
mighty doth most detest and abhor, for that the same^s
diminish most his honour and glory.
^547*] Injunctions given by Edioard VI. 7
Item, That such images as they kuow in any of their
cures to be or to have been abused with pilgrimage or
offering of any thing made thereunto, or shall be here-
after censed unto, they (and none other private persons)
5 shall for the avoiding of that most detestable offence of
idolatry, forthwith take down, or cause to be taken down
and destroy the same ; and shall suffer from henceforth
no torches nor candles, tapers or images of wax to be set
afore any image or picture, but only two lights upon the
'0 high altar, before the sacrament, which for the significa-
tion that Christ is the very true light of the world, they
shall suffer to remain still : admonishing their parishion-
ers, that images serve for no other purpose but to be a
remembrance, whereby men may be admonished of the
>5 holy lives and conversation of them that the said images
do represent: which images if they do abuse for any
other intent, they commit idolatry in the same, to the
great danger of their souls.
Item, That every holy-day throughout the year, when
Mthey have no sermon, they shall immediately aflber the
Gospel, openly and plainly recite to their parishioners in
the pulpit, the " Pater noster," the " Credo," and the Ten
Commandments in English, to the intent the people may
learn the same by heart: exhorting all parents and
>5 householders to teach their children and servants the
same, as they are bound by the law of God, and in
conscience to do.
Item, That they shall charge fathers and mothers,
masters and governors, to bestow their children and
30 servants, even from their childhood, either to learning or
to some honest exercise, occupation, or husbandry : ex-
horting and coimselling, and by all the w^ays and means
they may, as well in their sermons and collations, as
otherwise, persuading their said fathers and mothers,
^masters and other governors, diligently to provide and
foresee that the youth be in no manner or wise brought
B 4
8 Injunctions given by Edward VI. [IL
up in idleness, lest at any time afterward for lack of some
craft, occupation, or other honest means to live by, they
be driven to fall to begging, stealing, or some other un-
thriftiness : forasmuch as we may daily see, through sloth
and idleness, divers valiant men &11, some to begging, 5
and some to theft and murder ; which after brought to
calamity and misery, do blame their parents, friends, and
governors, which suffered them to be brought up so idly
in their youth, where if they had been well brought up in
learning some good occupation, or craft, they would «<>
(being rulers of their own household) have profited as
well themselves, as divers other persons, to the great
commodity and ornament of the commonwealth.
Also, That the said parsons, vicars, and other curates
shall diligently provide, that the sacraments be duly and 'S
reverently ministered in their parishes. And if at any
time it happen them in any of the cases expressed in the
statutes of this realm, or of special license given by the
king's majesty, to be absent from their benefices, they
shall leave their cure not to a rude and unlearned person, ^
but to an honest, well learned, and expert curate, that
can by his ability teach the rude and imleamed of their
pure wholesome doctrine, and reduce them to the right
way that do err ; which will also execute these injunc-
tions, and do their duty otherwise, as they are bound to «5
do in every behalf, and accordingly may and will profit
their cure no less with good example of living, than with
the declaration of the word of God, or else their lack and
default shall be imputed unto them, who shall straitly
answer for the same if they do otherwise. And always 3©
let them see, that neither they nor their curates do seek
more their own profit, promotion, or advantage, than the
profit of the souls they have under their cure, or the
glory of God.
Also, That they shall provide within three months 35
next after this visitation, one book of the whole Bible, of
^5470 Injundums given by Edward VI. 9
the largest volume in English. And within one twelve
months next after the said visitation, the " Paraphrasis"
of Erasmus also in English upon the Gospels, and the
same set up in some convenient place within the said
5 church that they have cure of, whereas their parishioners
may most commodiously resort unto the same, and read
the same. The charges of which books shall be ratably
borne between the parson and approprietary, and pa-
rishioners aforesaid, that is to say, the one half by the
10 parson or proprietary, and the other half by the pa-
rishioners. And they shall discourage no man (authorized
and licensed thereto) from the reading any part of the
Bible, either in Latin or in English ; but shall rather
comfort and exhort every person to read the same, as the
15 very lively word of God, and the special food of man's
soul, that all Christian persons are bound to embrace,
believe, and follow, if they look to be saved : whereby
they may the better know their duties to God, to their
sovereign lord the king, and their neighbour ; ever gently
30 and charitably exhorting them, and in his majesty's name,
straitly charging and commanding them, that in the
reading thereof, no man to reason or contend, but quietly
to hear the reader.
Also, The said ecclesiastical persons shall in no wise,
15 at any unlawful time, nor for any other cause than for
their honest necessity, haunt or resort to any taverns or
alehouses. And after their dinner or supper, they shall
not give themselves to drinking or riot, spending their
time idly, by day or by night, at dice, cards, or tables,
30 playing, or any other unlawful game : but at all times (as
they shall have leisure) they shall hear and read some-
what of holy scripture, or shall occupy themselves with
some other honest exercise ; and that they always do the
things which appertain to honesty, with endeavour to
j5 profit the commonweal; having always in mind, that
they ought to excel all other in purity of life, and
10 Injunctions given by Bdtcard VI. [II.
should be an example to the people to live well and
Christianly.
Item, That they shall in confessions every Lent exa-
mine every person that cometh to confession to them,
whether they can recite the articles of their fiiith, the 5
" Pater noster," and the Ten Commandments in English,
and hear them say the same particularly; wherein if
they be not perfect, they shall declare then, that every
Christian person ought to know the said things before
they should receive the blessed Sacrament of the altar, lo
and admonish them to learn the said necessary things
more perfectly, or else they ought not to presume to
come te God's board, without a perfect knowledge and
will to observe the same : and if they do, it is to the
great peril of their souls, and also to the worldly "5
rebuke, that they might incur hereafter by the same.
Also, That they shall admit no man to preach within
any their cures, but such as shall appear unte them to
be suflSciently licensed thereunto, by the king's majesty,
the lord protector's grace, the archbishop of Canterbury, ao
the archbishop of York in his province, or the bishop of
the diocess ; and such as shall be so licensed, they shall
gladly receive to declare the word of God, without any
resistance or contradiction.
Also, If they have heretofore declared to their ts
parishioners any thing to the extolling or setting forth
of pilgrimages, relics, or images, or lighting of candles,
kissing, kneeling, decking of the same images, or any
such superstition, they shall now openly, before the
same, recant, and reprove the same : shewing them (as jo
the truth is) that they did the same upon no ground of
scripture, but were led and seduced by a common error
and abuse, crept into the church through the sufferance
and avarice of such as felt profit by the same.
Also, If they do, or shall know any man within their 35
parish or elsewhere,. that is a letter of the word of Grod
1547 -] In/unetums given bjf Edward VI. 1 1
to be read in English, or sincerely preached, or of the
execution of these the king's majesty's injunctions, or
a fautor of the bishop of Rome's pretensed power, now
by the laws of this realm justly rejected, extirpated, and
5 taken away utterly, they shall detect and present the
same to the king or his council, or to the justice of
peace next adjoining.
Also, That the parson, vicar, or curate, and parishioners
of every parish within this realm, shall, in their churches
loand chapels, keep one book or register, wherein they
shall write the day and year of every wedding, christen-
ing, and burial, made within their parish for their time,
and so every man succeeding them likewise ; and therein
shall write every person's name that shall be so wedded,
15 christened, or buried. And for the safe keeping of the
same book, the parish shall be bound to provide of their
common charges, one sure coffer, with two locks and
keys, whereof the one to remain with the parson, vicar,
or curate, and the other with the wardens of every
10 parish church or chapel, wherein the said book shall be
laid up : which book they shall every Sunday take forth,
and in the presence of the said wardens, or one of them,
write and record in the same, all the weddings, christen-
ings, and burials, made the whole week before ; and that
35 done, to lay up the book in the said coffer, as afore.
And for every time that the same shall be omitted, the
party that shall be in the fault thereof, shall forfeit to
the said church, iii^. xsd. to be "employed to the poor
men's box of that parish.
30 Furthermore, because the goods of the church are
called the goods of the poor, and at these days nothing
is less seen than the poor to be sustained with the same ;
all parsons, vicars, pensionaries, prebendaries, and other
beneficed men within this deanery, not being resident
35 upon their benefices, which may dispend yearly xx/. or
above, either within this deanery, or elsewhere, shall
12 Injunctions given ly Edward VL [II.
distribute hereafter among their poor parishioners^ or
other inhabitants there, in the presence of the church-
wardens, or some other honest men of the parish, the
xl. part of the fruits and revenues of their said benefices,
lest they be worthily noted of ingratitude, which re-s
serving so many parts to themselves, cannot vouchsafe
to impart the xl. portion thereof among the poor people
of that parish, that is so fruitful and profitable unto them.
And to the intent that learned men may hereaft;er
spring the more, for the execution of the premises, every lo
parson, vicar, clerk, or beneficed man within this deanery,
having yearly to dispend in benefices and other pro-
motions of the church an c/. shall give competent exhi-
bition to one scholar : and for so many c/. more as he
may dispend, to so many scholars more shall he give like 15
exhibition in the university of Oxford or Cambridge, or
some grammar-school ; which after they have profited in
good learning, may be partners of their patrons' cure and
charge, as well in preaching, as otherwise, in the execu-
tion of their offices, or may (when need shall be) other- 10
wise profit the commonweal with their council and
wisdom.
Also, That the proprietaries, parsons, vicars, and
clerks, having churches, chapels, or mansions within this
deanery, shall bestow yearly hereafter upon the same as
mansions or chancels of their churches being in decay,
the fifth part of that their benefices, till they be ftilly
repaired; and the same so repaired, shall alwajns keep
and maintain in good estate.
Also, That the said parsons, vicars, and clerks, shall, 30
once every quarter of the year, read these injunctions
given unto them, openly and deliberately, before all their
parishioners, to the intent that both they may be the
better admonished of their duty, and their said pa-
rishioners the more moved to follow the same for their 35
part.
'5470 Injunctions ffiven by Edward VL IS
Also, Forasmuch as by a law established, every man
is bound to pay his tithes, no man shall by colour of
duty omitted by their curates, detain their tithes, and so
redub and requite one wrong with another, or be his
5 own judge, but shall truly pay the same, as he hath been
accustomed, to their parsons, vicars, and curates, without
any restraint or diminution. And such lack and de&ult
as they can justly find in their parsons and curates, to
call for reformation thereof at their ordinaries' and other
10 superiors' hands, who, upon complaint and due proof
thereof, shall reform the same accordingly.
Also, That no person shall from henceforth alter or
change the order and manner of any fasting-day that is
commanded, or of common prayer or divine service,
IS otherwise than is specified in these injunctions, until
such time as the same shall be otherwise ordered and
transposed by the king's authority.
Also, That every parson, vicar, curate, chantry-
priest, and stipendiary, being under the degree of a
^ bachelor of divinity, shall provide and have of his own,
within three months after this visitation, the New Testa-
ment both in Latin and in English, with the Paraphrase
upon the same of Erasmus, and diligently study the
same, conferring the one with the other. And the
>5 bishops and other ordinaries by themselves or their
officers, in their sjmods and visitations, shall examine
the said ecclesiastical persons how they have profited in
the study of holy scripture.
Also, In the time of high mass, within every church,
30 he that saith or singeth the same, shall read or cause to
be read the Epistle and Gospel of that mass in English
and not in Latin, in the pulpit, or in such convenient
place as the people may hear the same. And every
Sunday and holy-day they shall plainly and distinctly
35 read, or cause to be read, one chapter of the New Testa-
ment in English, in the said place at mattins immedi-
14 Injunctians given hy Edtcard VI. [II.
ately after the lessons : and at evensong, after ^^ Magni-
ficat," one chapter of the Old Testament. And to thd
intent the premises may be more conveniently done, the
king's majesty's pleasure is, that when ix. lessons should
be read in the church, three of them shall be omitted s
and left out with the responds : and at evensong time
the responds with all the memories shall be left off for
that purpose.
Also, Because those persons, which be sick and in
peril of death, be oftentimes put in despair, by the cisft vo
and subtilty of the devil, who is then most busy, and
especially with them that lack the knowledge, sure per-
suasion, and steadfast belief, that they may be made par-
takers of the great and infinite mercy, which Almighty
God of his most bountiful goodness, and mere liberality, is
without our deserving, hath offered freely to all persons,
that put their full trust and confidence in him: therefore
that this damnable vice of despair may be clearly taken
away, and firm belief, and steadfast hope, surely conceived
of all their parishioners, being in any danger, they shall »
learn and have always in a readiness such comfortable
places and sentences of scripture, as do set forth the
mercy, benefits, and goodness of Almighty God towards
all penitent and believing persons, that they may at all
times (when necessity shall require) promptly comfort as
their flock, with the lively word of God, which is the
only stay of man's conscience.
Also, To avoid all contention and strife, which hereto-
fore hath risen among the king's majesty's subjects in
sundry places of his realms and dominions, by reason of 30
fond courtesy, and challenging of places in procession,
and also that they may the more quietly hear that which
is said or sung to their edifying, they shall not from
henceforth, in any parish church at any time, use any
procession about the church or churchyard, or other as
place, but immediately before high mass, the priests
1547-1 Infundions given hy Edward VI. 15
with other of the quire shall kneel in the midst of the
eharch, and sing or say plainly and distinctly the litany
which is set forth in English, with all the suffrages fol-
lowing, and none other procession or litany to be had
5 or used but the said litany in English, adding nothing
th^eto, but as the king's grace shall hereafter appoint :
and in cathedral or collegiate churches, the same shall
be done in such places as our commissaries in our visita-
tion shall appoint. And in the time of the litany, of the
lomASS, of the sermon, and when the priest readeth the
scripture to the parishioners, no manner of persons with-
out a just and urgent cause, shall depart out of the
church; and all ringing and knolling of bells shall be
utterly forborne at that time, except one bell in conve-
IS nient time to be rung or knoUed before the sermon.
Also, Like as the people be commonly occupied the
work-day, with bodily labour, for their bodily sustenance,
*so was the holy-day at the first beginning godly insti-
tuted and ordained, that the people should that day give
w themselves wholly to God. And whereas in our time,
God is more offended than pleased, more dishonoured
than honoured upon the holy-day, because of idleness,
pride, drunkenness, quarrelling and brawling, which are
most used in such days, people nevertheless persuading
25 themselves sufficiently to honour God on that day, if
they hear mass and service, though they understand
nothing to their edifying : therefore all the king's faithful
and loving subjects shall from henceforth celebrate and
^90 was the holy -day] " The article about the strict observance of the
30 hdy-day seemed a little doubtful ; whether by the holy-day was to be
understood only the Lord's day, or that and all other church-festivals.
The naming it singularly the holy-day, and in the end of that article
adding festival days to the holy-day, seemed to favour their opinion
that thought this strict observance of the holy-day was particularly
3S intended for the Lord's day, and not for the other festivals." Burnet,
H. R. v. ii. p. 59. See Collier, v. ii. p. 2 26.
16 Injunctions given by Edward VI. 5(11.
keep their holy-day according to God's holy will uid
pleasure, that is, in hearing the word of God read- and
taught, in private and public prayers, in knowledging
their offences to God, and amendment of the same, in
reconciling themselves charitably to their neighbours, 5
where displeasure hath been, in oftentimes receiving
the communion of the very body and blood of Christy in
visiting of the poor and sick, in using all soberness and
godly conversation. Yet notwithstanding all parsons,
vicars, and curates, shall teach and declare unto their la
parishioners, that they may with a safe and quiet con-
science, in the time of harvest, labour upon the holy
and festival days, and save that thing which God hath
sent. And if for any scrupulosity, or grudge of con-
science, men should superstitiously abstain from working 15
upon those days, that then they should grievously offend
and displease God.
Also, Forasmuch as variance and contention is a thing
which most displeaseth God, and is most contrary to the
blessed communion of the body and blood of our Saviour »
Christ ; curates shall in nowise admit to the receiving
thereof any of their cure and flock, who hath maliciously
and openly contended with his neighbour, unless the
same do first charitably and openly reconcile himself
again, remitting all rancour and malice, whatsoever con- 95
troversy hath been between them ; and nevertheless
their just titles and rights they may charitably prosecute
before such as have authority to hear the same.
Also, That every dean, archdeacon, master of col-
legiate church, master of hospital, and prebendary being 30
priest, shall preach by himself personally t^^ice every
year at the least, either in the place where he is inti-
tuled, or in some church where he hath jurisdiction, or
else which is to the said place appropriate or imited.
Also, That they shall instruct and teach in their 3S
cures, that no man ought obstinately and maliciously to
^547-] Injunctions given by Edtoard VI. 17
break and yiolate the laudable ceremonies of the church,
by the king commanded to be observed, and as yet not
abrogated. And on the other side, that whosoever doth
superstitiously abuse them, doth the same to the great
5 peril and danger of his soul's health : as in casting holy
water upon his bed, upon images, and other dead things,
or bearing about him holy bread, or St. John's Gospel,
or making of crosses of wood upon Palm-Sunday, in time
of reading of the passion, or keeping of private holy days,
10 as bakers, brewers, smiths, shoemakers, and such other
do ; or ringing of holy bells ; or blessing with the holy
candle, to the intent thereby to be discharged of the
burden of sin, or to drive away devils, or to put away
dreams and phantasies, or in putting trust and confidence
<5 of health and salvation in the same ceremonies, when
they be only ordained, instituted, and made, to put us in
remembrance of the benefits which we have received by
Christ. And if he use them for any other purpose, he
grievously offendeth God.
» Also, That they shall take away, utterly extinct and
destroy all shrines, covering of shrines, all tables, candle-
sticks, trindles or rolls of wax, pictures, paintings, and
all other monuments of feigned miracles, pilgrimages,
idolatry and superstition: so that there remain no me-
«5 mory of the same in walls, glass windows, or elsewhere
within their churches or houses. And they shall exhoi-t
all their parishioners to do the like, within their several
houses. And that the churchwardens, at the common
charge of the parishioners in every church, shall provide
30 a comely and honest pulpit, to be set in a convenient
place within the same, for the preaching of God's
word.
Also, They shall provide and have within three months
after this visitation, a strong chest with a hole in the
35 upper part thereof, to be provided at the cost and charge
of the parish, having three keys, whereof one shall
VOL. I. c
18 Injunctions given by Edtoard VJ, [II.
remain in the custody of the parson, vicar or curate, and
the other two in the custody of the churchwardens, or
any other two honest men, to be appointed by the parish
from year to year. Which chest you shall set and &8ten
near unto the high altar, to the intent the parishioners 5
should put into it their oblation and alms for their poor
neighbours. And the parson, vicar or curate, shall dili-
gently from time to time, and specially wheii men make
their testaments, call upon, exhort and move their neigh-
bours, to confer and give, as they may well spare, to the lo
said chest ; declaring unto them, whereas heretofore they
have been diligent to bestow much substance otherwise
than God commanded upon pardons, pilgrimages, tren-
talles, decking of images, offering of candles, giving to
friars, and upon other like blind devotions, they ought at 15
this time to be much more ready to help the poor and
needy, knowing that to relieve the poor is a true wor-
shipping of God, required earnestly upon pain of everlast-
ing damnation: and that also, whatsoever is given for
their comfort, is given to Christ himself and so is 20
accepted of him, that he will mercifully reward the same
with everlasting life: the which alms and devotion of
the people, the keepers of the keys shall at times con-
venient take out of the chest, and distribute the same in
the presence of their whole parish, or six of them, to be 35
truly and faithfully delivered to their most needy neigh-
bours : and if they be provided for, then to the repara-
tion of high ways next adjoining. And also the money
which riseth of fraternities, guilds, and other stocks of
the church (except by the king's majesty's authority it 30
be otherwise appointed) shall be put into the said chest,
and converted to the said use, and also the rents and
lands, the profit of cattle, and money given or bequeathed
to the finding of torches, lights, tapers and lamps, shall
be converted to the said use, saving that it shall be law- 35
ful for them to bestow pait of the said profits upon the
'547 •] Injunctions given by Edward VI. 19
reparation of the church, if great need require, and
whereas the parish is very poor, and not able otherwise
to repair the same.
And forasmuch as priests be public ministers of the
s church, and upon the holy days ought to apply them-
selves to the common administration of the whole parish,
they shall not be bound to go to women lying in child-
bed, except in time of dangerous sickness, and not to
fetch any corse before it be brought to the churchyard ;
10 and if the woman be sick, or the corse brought to the
church, the priest shall do his duty accordingly in visit-
ing the woman, and bmying the dead person.
Also, To avoid the detestable sin of simony, because
buying and selling of benefices is execrable before God ;
«5 therefore all such persons as buy any benefices, or come
to them by fraud or deceit, shall be deprived of such
benefices, aiid be made unable at any time after to re-
ceive any other spiritual promotion. And such as do
sell them, or by any colour do bestow them for their
«oown gain and profit, shall lose the right and title of
patronage, and presentment for that time, and the gift
thereof for that vacation shall appertain to the king's
majesty.
Also, Because through lack of preachers in many
>5 places of the king's realms and dominions, the people
continue in ignorance and blindness, all parsons, vicars,
and curates shall read in the churches every Sunday one
of the homilies, which are and shall be set forth for
the same purpose by the king's authority, in such sort
30 as they shall be appointed to do in the preface of
the same.
Also, Whereas many indiscreet persons do at this day
uncharitably contemn and abuse priests and ministers of
the church, because some of them (having small leam-
ising) have of long time favoured fancies, rather than
c 2
20 Injunctions given hy Edward VI. [II.
God's truth ; yet forasmuch as their oflSice and function
is appointed of God, the king's majesty willeth and
chargeth all his loving subjects, that from henceforth
they shall use them charitably and reverently for their
office and administration sake, and especially such ass
labour in the setting forth of God's holy word.
Also, That all manner of persons which understand
not the Latin tongue, shall pray upon none other primer,
but upon that which was lately set forth in English by
the authority of king Henry the Eighth, of most &mou8 ic
memory. And that no teachers of youth shall teach any
other than the said primer. And all those which have
knowledge of the Latin tongue, shall pray upon none
other Latin primer, but upon that which is likewise set
forth by the said authority. And that all graces to be 15
said at dinner and supper, shall be always said in the
English tongue. ^And that none other grammar shall be
taught in any school or other place within the king's
realms and dominions, but only that which is set forth
by the said authority. w
Item, That all chantry priests shall exercise them-
selves in teaching youth to read and write, and bring
them up in good manners, and other virtuous exercises.
Item, when any sermon or homily shall be had, the
prime and hours shall be omitted. 95
^And that none other grammar] The grammar usually known by the
name of ** Lily's," but the different parts of which appear to have been
derived from such eminent contributors as Wolsey, Colet, Lily* and
Elrasmus*. Having been approved by king Henry VIIL, \mg £d^
ward VL, queen Elizabeth, and in the canons of king James, it was^o
received without question, as enjoying exclusive privileges under the
royal supremacy, till the year 1664, when it was projected to have
another form of grammar approved by convocation, and bishop Pearson
undertook the management of the matter. But nothing was actually
accompU^hed. See Kennet's Hist. v. iii. p. 274. 35
^5470 Injunctiom given hy Edward VI, 21
^ The form of bidding the coimnon-prayei's.
You shall pray for the whole congregation of Christ's
church; and especially for this church of England and
Ireland ; wherein first I commend to your devout prayers,
5 the king's most excellent majesty, supreme head imme-
diately under God of the spirituality and temporality of
the same church ; and for queen Katherine dowager, and
also for my lady Mary, and my lady Elizabeth, the king's
sisters.
to Secondly, you shall pray for the lord protector's grace,
with all the rest of the king's majesty's council ; for all
the lords of this realm, and for the clergy and commons
of the same ; beseeching Almighty God to give every of
them in his degree, grace to use themselves in such wise,
15 as may be to God's glory, the king's honour, and the-
weal of this realm.
^Thirdly, ye shall pray for all them that be departed
^nefarm of bidding] " All the change that king Henry VIII. made
in this [the bidding prayer] was that, the pope and cardinals* names
so being left out, he was ordered to be mentioned with the addition of
his title of Supreme Head, that the people hearing that oft repeated by
their priests, might be better persuaded about it ; but his other titles
were not mentioned. And this order was now renewed [in K. Edward's
Injunctions] ; only the prayer for departed souls was changed from
»5 what it had been. It was formerly in these words : "Ye shall pray
for the souls that be departed, abiding the mercy of Almighty God,
that it may please him the rather at the contemplation of our prayers,
to grant them the fruition of his presence :" which did imply their
being in a state where they did not enjoy the presence of God, which
30 was avoided by the more general words now prescribed." Burnet
H. R. V. ii. p. 61.
* Thirdly, ye shall pray] The practice of praying for the dead was
continued in the first Service Book of K. Edw. VI., set forth in the
year 1549* and was expressed in the Burial Service, as well as in the
35 following words contained in the prayer " for the whole state of
Christ's Church :" ** We commend unto thy mercy, O Lord, all
other thy servants which are departed hence from us with the sign of
c3
22 Injunctions given hy Edward VL [II.
out of this world in the faith of Christ, that they with us,
and we with them at the day of judgment, may rest both
body and soul, with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the
kingdom of heaven.
All which singular injunctions the king's miyestys
ministereth unto his clergy and their successors, and to
all his loving subjects : straitly charging and com-
manding them to observe and keep the same upon pain
of deprivation, sequestration of fruits or benefices,
suspension, excommunication, and such other coercion, lo
as to ordinaries, or other having ecclesiastical jurisdic-
fiaith and now do rest in the sleep of peace : grant unto them, we
beseech thee, thy mercy and everlasting peace." In the second Ser-
vice Book, published in the year 1552, this prayer was entirely omitted,
and the words ** militant here in earth" were added to the Prefix, to 15
shew that the Church not only did not practise intercession for the
dead, but even carefully excluded it. (See " The two Liturgies of
K. Edw. VI. compared." p. xxxii.) Such prayers are more directly
condemned in the Homilies of queen Elizabeth, in the foUowing words:
" Therefore let us not deceive oiurselves, thinking that either we may 20
help other, or other may help us, by their good and charitable prayers
in time to come. For, as the Preacher saith, * Where the tree fedleth,
whether it be toward the south or toward the north, in what place
soever the tree falleth, there it lieth ;' (Ekicles. ii. 3.) meaning thereby
that every mortal man dieth either in the state of salvation or damna^ 2$
tion, according as the words of the evangelist John do also plainly
import. (John iii. 36.)" Third Part of the Sermon concerning Prayer,
p. 283. ed. Oxf. 18 10. They were also directly condemned by arch-
bishop Grindal in his Injunctions delivered to the province of York in
the year 157 1 : '* nor any other superstitious ceremonies to be ob- 30
served or used, which tended either to the maintenance of prayer for
the dead, or of the popish purgatory." (N®. LXXVI.) The practice
however has been commended by many divines of the English church,
and it has been sought on several occasions, more especially at the
beginning of the i8th century, to introduce it again into the Book of 55
Common Prayer. See "The Christian Priesthood asserted," by Hickes ;
and Tracts entitled, " Reasons for restoring the Prayers and Directions
of Edw. Vlth's first Liturgy." 1717.
15470 Injunctions given by Edward VI. 23
tion, whom his majesty hath appointed for the due
execution of the same, shall be seen convenient : charge
ing and commanding them to see these injunctions
observed and kept of all persons, being under their
5 jurisdiction, as they will answer to his majesty for the
contrary; and his majesty's pleasure is, that every
justice of peace (being required) shall assist the ordi-
naries and every of them for the due execution of the
said injunctions.
III.
Paps Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi. ^^' Angliie.
Paul. III. 13. Tho. Crakher. 15. '547* Edward. VI. i.
The king's injunctions particularly delivered to tJie bishops.
Heylin, Hist. Reform, p. 37.
'0 1. T^HAT they should, to the utmost of their power,
wit and understanding, see and cause all and
singular the king's injunctions heretofore given, or after
to be given, from time to time, in and through their
diocese duly, fiuthfuUy, and truly to be kept, observed,
15 and accomplished ; and that they should personally
preach within their diocese every quarter of a year, once
at the least, that is to say, once in their cathedral
churches, and thrice in other several places of their
diocese, whereas they should see it more convenient,
so and necessary, except they had a reasonable excuse to
the contrary. Likewise that they should not retain into
their service or household any chaplain, but such as were
learned and able to preach the word of God, and those
they should also cause to exercise the same.
»5 2. And secondly. That they should not give orders to
any person, but such as were learned in holy Scripture ;
neither should deny them to such as were learned in
c 4
24 Injunctions given by Edward VI. [IV.
the same, being of honest conversation or living. And
lastly, that they should not at any time or place preach,
or set forth unto the people, any doctrine contrary or re-
pugnant to the effect and intent contained or set forth in
the king's highness' homilies ; neither yet should admit or 5
give license to preach to any within their diocese, but
to such as they should know, or at least assuredly trust,
would do the same ; and if at any time, by hearing or
by report proved, they should perceive the contrary,
they should then incontinent not only inhibit that 10
person so offending, but also punish him, and revoke
their license.
IV.
Papae Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi. Reg^. Angliie.
Paul. III. 13. Tho. Crakmer. 15. I547* Edward. VI. i.
® The king's letter to the archbishop of Yorky concerning
the visitation then intended. Ex MS. Cott. Titus. B. 2.
fol. 89.
Tj^DWARDUS sextus Dei gratia Angliae, Franciae et
Hiberniae rex, fidei defensor, ac in terra ecclesiee
Anglicanse et Hiberniae supremum caput, Beverendis- 15
simo in Christo Patri, ac praedilecto consiliario nostro
Roberto permissione divina Eboracen. archiepiscopo, An-
gliae primati et metropolitano, salutem. Quum nos su-
prema authoritate nostra regia omnia et singula loca
ecclesiastica clerumque et populum, infra et per totum «>
nostrum Angliae regnum constituta, propediem visitare
statuerimus, vobis tenore praesentium stricte inhibemus
atque mandamus, et per vos suffraganeis vestris confra-
c The king's letter] " In the beginning of May, letters were issued
out from the king to the archbishops, that they and all their feUow- 35
bii^hops should forbear their visitations, as was usually done in all
royal and archiepiscopal visitations." Strype, Cranm. v. i. p. 208.
15470 In/uneUans given hy Edward VI. S5
tribus episcopis, ac per illos suis archidiaconis, ac aliis
quibuscunque jurisdictionem ecclesiasticam exercentibus,
tarn exemptis quam non exemptis, infra vestram pro-
▼inciam Eboracen. ubilibet constitutis, sic inhiberi yoIu-
5 mus atque praecipimus, quatenus nee vos nee quisquam
eorum eeclesias aut alia loca praedicta, clerumve aut
populum yisitare, aut ea quae sunt jurisdictionis exercere,
seu quiequam aJiud in praejudicium dictae nostrae visita-
tionis generalis quovismodo attemptare praesumat sive
lo praesumanty sub poena eontemptus donee et quousque
lieentiam et faeultatem vobis et eis in ea parte largiend.
et impertiend. fore duxerimus. Et quia non solum
intemam animorum subditorum nostrorum pacem, verum
etiam extemam eorum concordiam, multiplicibus opini-
15 onum procellis ex contentione, dissentione et contro-
versiis concionatorum exortis, multum corruptam, vio-
latam ac misere divulsam esse cemimus, idcirco nobis
admodum necessarium visum est ad sedandas et com-
ponendas hujusmodi opinionum varietates, quatenus in-
^ohibeatis seu inhiberi faciatis omnibus et singulis epi-
Bcopis, ne alibi quam in ecclesiis suis cathedralibus, et
aliis personis ecclesiasticis quibuscunque, ne in alio loco
quam in suis ecclesiis coUegiatis sive parochialibus, in
quibus intitulati sunt, praedicent, aut subditis nostris
35 quovismodo concionand. munus exerceant, nisi ex gratia
nostra speciali ad id postea licentiati fuerint, sub nostrae
indignationis poena. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum
nostrum, quo ad causas ecclesiasticas utimur, praesenti-
bus apponi mandavimus. Dat. quarto die mensis Mali
30 anno Domini 1547, et regni nostri anno prime.
E. Somerset. T. Seymour.
T. Cantuar. Will. Petre, Sec'y.
W. St. John.
J. RUSSEL.
is John Gage. John Barker.
36 InjunetwiM pivm Ijf Edward VI. [V.
V.
Papae Rom. Archieplsc. Cant. Anno Christi. Reg. Angliae.
Paul. III. 14. Tho. Cbakmer. 16. i547- Edward. VI. i.
^A proclamation concerning the irreverent talkers of the
sacrament. Dated the S7th day of December^ anno
regni reg. Edwardi primo.
\^HEREAS the kyngs higlines hath of late, with
the assent and consent of the lords spiritual and
temporal, and the commons in the parliament held the
fourth day of November, in the first year of his most
gracious reign, made a good and godly act and estatute 5
against those who do contempn, despise, or with im-
semely and ungodly words deprave and revile the holy
sacrament of the body and blood of our Lord, commonly
called " the sacrament of the altar:'* and the said
estatute hath most prudently declared, by al the words 10
and terms in which scripture speaketh of it, what is
undoubtedly to be accepted, beleeved, taken and spoken
by and of the said sacrament : yet this notwithstanding
his majesty is advertised, that some of his subjects, not
contented with such words and terms as scripture doth >s
declare thereof, nor with that doctrine which the holy
Ghost by the evangelists and St. Paul hath taught us,
do not, cease to move contentious and superfluous ques-
tions of the said holy sacrament, and supper of the Lord,
entryng rashly into the discussing of the high mystery 20
thereof, and go about in their sermons or talks arro-
gantly to define the manner, nature, fashion, ways, pos-
sibility or impossibility of those matters ; which neither
make to edification, nor God hath by his holy word
opened. »5
Which persons, not contented reverently and with
f A proclamation] Strype, Mem. V. ii. P. i. p. 126. and P. a. p. 340.
I547-] If^u/netians gwen by Edward VI. 27
obedient faith t'accept that the said sacrament, ac-
cording to the saying of St. Paul, " the bread is the
communion," or partaking, " of the body of the Lord ;
the wine," likewise, " the partaking of the bloud of
5 Christ" by the words instituted and taught of Christ :
and that the body and bloud of Jesu Christ is there ;
which is our comfort, thanksgiviug, love-token of Christ's
love towards us, and of ours as his members within our-
self, search and strive unreverently whether the body
lo and bloud aforesaid is there really or figuratively, locally
or circumscriptly, and having quantity and greatnes, or
but substantially and by substance only, or els but in
a figure and manner of speaking; whether his blessed
body be there, head, leggs, armes, toes and nails, or any
15 other ways, shape and manner, naked or clothed; whe-
ther he is broken or chewed, or he is always whole ;
whether the bread there remaineth as we se, or how
it departeth ; whether the flesh be there alone, and the
bloud, or part, or ech in other, or in th'one both, in
wth'other but only bloud; and what bloud; that only
which did flow out of the side, or that which remained :
with other such irreverent; superfluous, and curious
questions, which, how and what, and by what means,
and in what forme, may bring into theim, which of
35 human and corrupt curiosity hath desire to search out
such mysteries as lyeth hid in the infinite and bottomless
depth of the wisdom and glory of God, and to the which
our humain imbecillity cannot attain : and therefore
oftymes tumeth the same to their own and others de-
30 8truction by contention and arrogant rashnes, which
simple and christian affection reverently receiving and
obediently beleving without further search, taketh and
useth to most great comfort and profit.
For reformation whereof, and to th'intent that further
35 contention, tumult and question might not rise amonges
the king's subjects, the king's highnes, by th'advice of
28 Injundums given hy Edward VL [V.
the lord protector, and other his majestie's coancel,
straitly willeth and commandeth, that no manner per-
son from henceforth do in any wise couteudously and
openly argue, dispute, reason, preach or teach, affirming
any more termes of the said blessed sacrament, than be 5
expresly taught in the holy scripture, and mentioned in
the foresaid act ; nor deny none which be therein con-
teined and mentioned, until such tyme as the king^s
majesty, by th'advice of his highnes council and the
clergy of this realme, shal define, declare and set frirthe lo
an open doctrin therof, and what termes and words
may justly be spoken therby, other then be expresly in
the scripture conteined in the act before rehearsed.
In the mean while the king's highnesses pleasure is,
by th'advice aforesaid, that every his loving subjects shall 15
devoutly and reverently affirm and take that holy bread
to be Christ's body, and that cup to be the cup of his
holy bloud, according to the purport and effect of t'holy
scripture conteined in th'act before expressed, and ac-
commodate theimself rather to take the same sacrament m
worthily, than rashly to entre into the discussyng of the
high mystery thereof.
Yet the king's highness mindeth not hereby to let or
stop the ignorant and willing to learn, reverently or
privatly to demaund of those whom he thynketh know- %$
eth more, the further instruction and teaching in the
said blessed sacrament : so that the same be not done
with contention, nor in open audience, with a company
gathered together about them, nor with tumult : nor
doth prohibite any man hereby likewise so quietly, de-30
voutly and reverently to teach or instruct the weak and
unlearned, according to the more talent and leamyng
gyven to hym of God. But only, that al contention,
strife and tumult, and irreverentness might be avoyded,
and in open audience and preaching nothing taught, but 35
which may have the holy scripture for warrant.
'547 •] Injunctions pif>en hy Edward VI, 29
Upon pain that whosoever shal openly with contention
or tumult, and in a company gathered together, either
in churches, alehouses, markets, or elsewhere, contrary
to the fourm and effect of this proclamation, defend and
smaintein, or irreverently and contentiously demaund of
any man, any of the questions before rehersed, either on
the one part, or of the other, or any such like, or do
otherwise revile, contempne or despise the said sacra-
ment, by calling it an idol, or other such vile name, shal
lo incurre the kyng's high indignation, and suffre imprison-
ment, or to be otherwise grievously punished at his
majesties will and pleasure.
Gevyng further in authority to al justices of peace
within the shires where they dwel, to apprehend and
15 take al such as contentiously and tumultuously, with
companies or routs assembled about them, do dispute,
ai^e or reason,, or stifly maintein, or openly preach and
define the questions before rehersed, or any of them, or
such like, either on th'one part or th'other, and to
ao commit the same to prison, untyl such tyme as the
king's majesty's pleasure herein be known ; and that
they immediately do certify the name or names of the
party so offendyng, and of theim who were there at the
same tyme present, making the rout or assemble, to the
n king's highnesses counsel : willyng and commaunding
the said justices, with al diligence to execute the pre-
misses according to the purport, effect, and true meanyng
of the same, and their most bound duties, as they tender
his highnes wil and pleasure, and wil answer to the
30 contrary upon their peril.
so Injvmeticm given by Edward VI. [VI.
VI.
Pape Rom. ArdiiqMsc. Cant. Anno ChristL B^. AngUs.
Paul. III. 14. Tuo. Cranmer. 16. 1547. Edward. VI. 1.
^A proclamation for the abstet/ning from fleshin the lent time.
Dated tlie \%th day of January^ anno reg. prima.
T^HE king's highnes, by the advice of his most en-
tirely beloved uncle, Edward duke of Somerset,
governor of his person and protector of all his realms,
dominions and subjects, and other of his privy coimcil ;
considering, that his highnes hath not only cure ands
charge of the defence of his realms and dominions, as a
king, but also as a christian king and supreme bed of
the church of England and Ireland, a desire, wil and
charge to lead and instruct his people, to him committed
of Crod, in such rites, ways and customs, as might be lo
8 A proclamation] '* The Parliament that sat the next year converted
this order for observation of the fasting-days into a law, which con-
tains the very words of this proclamation .... But notwithstanding these
orders for the keeping of Lent, I cannot but take notice what extra-
vagant licenses were granted sometimes by the king's patents for dis- 15
pensing with the observation of it. As in the year 1551, Jan. 10, a
license was granted to the Lord Admiral Clinton to eat flesh ' cum
quibuscunque cum eo ad suam mensam convescentibus, omnibus diebua
jejunalibus quibuscunque.' " Strjrpe, Mem. V. 2. P. i. p. 129. and
P. 2. p. 343. It is worthy of notice, as shewing on what grounds the w
Reformers recommended the practice of fasting, that within a few
months from the issuing of this proclamation, Cranmer published the
following among his Articles of Visitation, (No. X.) ** Whether they
have declared, and to their wits and power have persuaded the people,
that the manner and kind of fasting in Lent and other days in the 35
year is but a mere positive law, and that therefore all persons having
just cause of sickness or other necessity, or being licensed by the
king's majesty, may moderately eat all kinds of meats without grudge
or scruple of conscience." See also No. XIL and Burnet H. R. v. ii.
p. 121. 30
^547*] In/undums ffivm by Edward VL 81
acceptable to God, and to the further encrease of good
living and vertne; and that his subjects now having a
more perfect and clear light of the gospel, and trae
word of the Lord, thorow the infinite clemency and
5 mercy of almighty God, by the hands of his majesty and
his most noble Mher of famous memory, promulgate,
shewed, declared and opened unto them, should and
ought therby in al good works and vertues increase, be
more forward and diligent and plentiful, as in lasting,
10 prayer and almose deeds, in love, charity, obedience, and
other such good works commaunded to us of God in
his holy scripture : yet his highnes is advertised and
informed, that diverse of his subjects be not only to al
these more slow and negligent, but rather contempners
15 and despisers of such good and godly acts and deeds,
to the which if they were of their own minds bended
and inclined, they needed not by outward and princely
power be appointed and commaunded. But forsomuch
as at this tyme, now alate, more then at any other tyme,
*oa great part of his subjects do break and contempne that
abstinence, which of long tyme hath been used in this
his majestie's realm, upon the fridays and Saturdays,
and the tyme commonly called lent, and other accus-
tomed tymes ; his highnes is constreined to se a con-
's venient order herein set and appointed: not mindyng
therby, that his subjectes should thynk any difference to
be in the days or meats, or that th'one should be to God
more holy, more pure, or more clean, then th'other ; for
al days and al meats be of one and equal purity, cleannes
30 and holines, that we should in theim, and by theim live
to the glory of God, and at al tymes, and for al meats,
geve thanks unto hym, of the which none can defile us
at any tyme, or make us unclene ; being christian men,
to whom al things be holy and pure, so that they be not
35 used in disobedience and vice: but his majesty hath
allowed and approved the days and tymes before accus-
82 InJuncHons given by Edward VI. [VI.
tomed, to be continued and still observed here in this
church of England, both that men should on those days
abstein and forbear their pleasures, and the meats
wherein they have more delight, to th* intent to subdue
their bodies unto the soul and spirit; unto the which 5
to exhort and move men is the oflSce of a good and
godly hed and ruler. And also for worldly and civil
policy, certain days in the yere to spare flesh and use
fish for the benefit of the commonwealth, and profit of
this his majesties realm, wherof many be fishers and men 10
using that trade of living, unto the which this realm,
on every part environed with the seas, and so plentiful
of fresh waters, doth easily minister occasion, to the
great sustinaunce of this his highnes people. So that
hereby both the nourishment of the land might be en- «s
creased by saving flesh, and specially at the spring tyme,
when lent doth commonly fal, and when the most com-
mon and plenteous breedyng of flesh is. And also divers
of his loving subjects have good lyv)Tigs, and get great
riches therby, in uttering and selling such meats as the «o
sea and fresh water doth minister unto us : and this his
majestie's realm hath more plenty of ships, boats, crayes
and other vessels, by reason of those which by hope of
lucre do follow that trade of lyvyng.
Wherefore his majesty, having consideration, that 35
where men of their own mynds do not geve themselves,
so oft as they should do, to fastyng, a common absti-
nence may and should be by the prince enjoyned and
commaunded ; and having an eyand mind to the profit
and commodity of his realm and subjects, and to a com-ao
mon and civil policy, hath willed and commaunded ;
and by these presents doth wil and commaund, by
th'advice aforesaid, al maner of person and persons, of
what estate, degree, or condition, he or they be (other
then such as already be, or hereafter shal be, excused as
by law, or licensed or authorized sufficiently to the
'5470 Injunctions gitfen by Edvxird VL ^3
contrary) to observe and keep from hencefurth such fastyng
days, and the tyme commonly called lent, in absteining
from al maner of flesh, as heretofore in this realm hath
been most commonly used and accustomed: upon pein,
5 that whosoever shal, upon any day heretofore wont to
be fasted from flesh, and not by the king's highnes or
his predecessors abrogate and taken away, eat flesh
contrary to this proclamation, shal incurr the king's high
indignation, and shal sufire imprisonment, and be other-
fo wise grievously punished at his majestie's wil and plea-
sure. And further #the king's highnes, by th' advice
aforesaid, straitly chargeth and commaundeth al maiors,
baUifisy and other head-officers, and rulers of cities and
towns, and al justices of peace in the sheres where they
■5 be in commission, to be attendant and diligent to the
execution of this proclamation, in conmiitting to prison
the offenders contrary to the proclamation, upon suflS-
cient proof thereof by two suflScient witnesses, before
them had and made : there to remain during the king's
«o pleasure, according to the true purport, effect and mean-
ing of the same, as they tender the king's majestie's wil
and pleasure, and wil answer the contrary at their peril.
And where the late king of most famous memory, father
to his highnes, hath geven divers yeres licence to his
»5 subjects in the tyme of lent to eat butter, chese, and
other meats, commonly called white meats, the king's
highnes, by th'advice aforesaid, considering the same to
have been done not without great considerations, doth
geve likewise licence and authority to al his loving
JO subjects firom hencefurth freely for ever in the tyme of
lent, or other prohibited tymes by law or custom, to
eat butter, eggs, chese and other white meats, any law,
statute, act or custome to the contrary notwithstanding.
VOL. I. D
34 Injunctions given by Edward VI. [VII.
VII.
Papaa Rom. Archiepisc. Cant Anno Christi Rag. Anglias
Paul. III. 14. Tho. Cranmer. 16. »547« Edward. VI. 2.
A proclamation against those thai do innovate^ alter^ or
leave done any rite or ceremony in the church of their
private authority^ and against them which preach without
license^ set forth the sia^th day of February^ in the second
year of the hinges majesty's most gra^cious reign. — Ex
reg. Cranm. fol. 111. et Burnet Hist, Reform, vol. ii.
app. p. 128.
T^HE king's majesty by the advice of his most entirely
beloved uncle the duke of Somerset, governor of
his most royal person, and protector of all his realms,
dominions, and subjects, and others of his council, consi-
dering nothing so much to tend to the disquieting of this s
realm as diversity of opinions and variety of rites and ce-
remonies concerning religion and worshipping of Almighty
God; and therefore studying all the ways and means,
A Proclamation] The restraints imposed by this proclamation upon
the Reformers, who were desirous of imitating the example of some 10
foreign churches, were repeated in the proclamation published in the
March following together with the Order of the Commimion, and led to
the compilation of the first Book of Common Prayer, which was ratified
by parliament in the month of January, 1549. See " The two Liturgies
of K. Edw. VI. compared," pp. xi. and 425. Strype's Mem. v. ii. P. I. 15
p. 230. and P. 2. p. 346. " This proclamation was necessary for giving
authority to the archbishop of Canterbury's letters, which were cen-
sured as a great presumption for him, without any public order, to
appoint changes in sacred rites. Some observed that the council went
on making proclamations, with arbitrary punishments, though the act ^0
was repealed that had formerly given so great authority for them. To
this it was answered^ that the king by his supremacy might stOl in
matters of religion make new orders, and add punishments upon the
transgressors ; yet this was much questioned, though universally sub-
mitted to." Burnet, H. R. v. ii. p. 122. and v. ii. P. 2. p. 185. «5
^5470 InJuneHans given by Edward VI. 85
which can be, to direct this church and the cure com-
mitted to his highness, in one and most true doctrine,
rite, and usage: yet is advertised that certain private
curates, preachers, and other laymen, contrary to their
5 bounden duties of obedience, do rashly attempt of their
own and singular wit and mind, in some parish churches
and otherwise, not only to persuade the people from the
old and accustomed rites and ceremonies, but also them-
selves bring in new orders every one in their church ac-
10 cording to their fantasies; the which, as it is an evident
token of pride and arrogance, so it tendeth both to con-
fusion and disorder, and also to the high displeasure of
Almighty God, who loveth nothing so much as order and
obedience. Wherefore his majesty straitly chargeth and
•5 commandeth, that no manner of person, of what estate,
order, or degree soever he be, of his private mind, will, or
fiEintasy do omit, leave done, change, alter or innovate
My order, rite or ceremony commonly used and fre-
quented in the church of England, and not commanded
20 to be left done at any time, in the reign of our late
sovereign lord, his highness" father, other than such as his
highness, by the advice aforesaid, by his majesty*s visitors,
mjunctions, statutes, or proclamations hath already or
hereafter shall command to be omitted, left, innovated, or
>5 changed ; but that they be observed after that sort, as
before they were accustomed, or else now sith prescribed
1^ the authority of his majesty, or by the means aforesaid,
upon pain, that whosoever shall offend contrary to this
proclamation, shall incur his highness' indignation, and
30 suffer imprisonment and other grievous punishment, at
his majesty's will and pleasure. Provided always, that
for not bearing a candle upon Candlemas-day, not taking
ashes upon Ashwednesday, not bearing palm upon Palm-
wmday, not creeping to the cross, not taking holy bread
35 or holy water, or for omitting other such rites and cere^
D 2
86 Injunctions given by Edward VI. [VII«
monies concerning religion, and the use of the chnrcby
which the most reverend father in God the archbishop of
Canterbury by his majesty's will and commandment with
the advice aforesaid hath declared, or hereafter shall de-
clare to the other bishops by his writing under seal, as 5
heretofore hath been accustomed, to be omitted or
changed ; no man hereafter be imprisoned nor otherwise
punished, but all such things to be reputed for the ob-
servation, and following of the same, as though they were
commanded by his majesty's injunctions. And to the lo
intent, that rash and seditious preachers should not abuse
his highness' people, it is his majesty's pleasure, that who-
soever shall take upon him to preach openly in any parish
church, chapel, or any other open place other than those,
which be licensed by the king's majesty, or his highness' »s
visitors, the archbishop of Canterbury, or the bishop of
the diocese, where he do preach, except he be the bishop,
parson, vicar, dean, warden, or provost, in his or their
own cure, shall be forthwith, upon such attempt and
preaching contrary to this proclamation, committed to«o
prison, and there remain until such time as his majesty,
by the advice aforesaid, hath taken order for the further
punishment of the same. And that the premisses should
be more speedily and diligently done and performed,
his highness giveth straitly in commandment to all jus- *5
tices of peace, mayors, sheriffi^ constables, headboroughs,
churchwardens, and all other his majesty's oflScers and
ministers, and rulers of towns, parishes, and hamlets, that
they be diligent and attendant to the true and faithful
execution of this proclamation, and every part thereof, 5^
according to the intent, purport, and effect of the same..
And that they of their proceedings herein, or if any
offender be, after they have committed the same to:
prison, do certify his highness, the lord protector, or hm\
majesty's council with all speed thereof accordingly, as 35
'547-] Ii^undians ^iven by Edward VI. 37
they tender his majesty's pleasure, the wealth of the
realm, and will answer to the contrary at their utmost
perils.
God save the king.
VIIL
Pap« Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Anglic
Paul. III. 14. Tho. Crakmer. 16. 1547. Edward. VI. 3.
The archbishop^s letter to the bishop cf London against
candlesy and ashes y and palms in churches. — Ex reg.
Bonn. fol. 110.
* Tp'HIS is to advertise your lordship, that my lord pro-
tector's grace, with advice of others the king's
The archbishop* 8 letter'] The practices forbidden in this letter had al-
ready been condemned in the Homilies pubUshed in July 1547. the
5th of which, " Of good works," now shown to have been written by
loCranmer himself (Wordsworth EkicL Biog. v. iii. p. 505. Cranmer's
Works by Jenkyns, v. i. p. xlvi. and v. ii. p. 121) contains the follow-
ing words, in a list of papistical superstitions and abuses ; "of purga-
tory, of masses satisfieurtory, of stations and jubilees, of feigned reficks,
of hallowed beads, bells, bread, water, palms, candles, fire, and such
15 other." The editions indeed, from that of Bill in 1623 down to our
own times, generally read " psalms, candles, fire." And so also
Strype quotes the passage in his Memorials of Cranmer, v. i. p. 249.
But it is evident from this letter, from the nature of the case, and from
the original edition of Grafton in the year 1547, that the right reading
10 is " palms." And so it is printed in the Oxford edition of 1832. It
was on this passage that Bp. Gardiner, in a letter addressed to the
Protector Somerset soon after the publication of the Homilies, made
the following remarks (See Strype's Cranm. v. ii. p. 786.) " The
Boke of Homilies numbreth the hallowing of bread, palmes, and candles
15 among papistical superstitions and abuses. The Doctrine of the Par-
fiament willeth them to be reverently used. And so do the Injunctions
Qowe set fourthe. Which made me thinke the printer myght thrust
in an homilie of his owen devise." How hx these practices were
■flowed by the recent Injunctions may be seen by the direct com-
D 3
38 Injunctions given by Edward VI. [IX.
majesty's council, for certain considerations them there-
unto moving, hath fully resolved, that no candles should
be borne upon Candlemas-day, nor also from henceforth
ashes or palms used any longer. Wherefore I beseech
your lordship to cause admonition thereof to be given in 5
all parish churches throughout your diocese with all ce-
lerity : and likewise unto all other bishops, that be here-
abouts, that they may do the semblable in their dioceses
before Candlemas-day. And as for other bishops, that
cannot have knowledge so soon, you may give them 10
knowledge hereof at more leisure, so that it be done
before Ashwednesday. Thus fare your lordship well,
your loving friend,
T. Cantuar.
Lambeth, Jaii. 27. 1547. 15
IX.
Papse Rom. Archiepiifc. Cant. Anno Cbrisii Rug. Auglue
Paul. III. 14. Tho. Cranmer. 16. i547> Edwasd. VI. a.
Mandatmn ad amovendas et delendas imagines. — Ex reg.
Cranmer fol. 32. a.
T^HOMAS permissione divina Cantuariensis archiepi-
scopus, totius Angliae primas et metropolitanus, per
parison of them, and of the preceding Proclamation ; in maintaining
that they were in accordance with the Doctrine of the Parliament
Bp. Grardiner referred to " The necessary Doctrine and Erudition of w
any Christen Man," published in 1540, which treated the errors of
the church of Rome with great leniency, and was approved by parlia-
ment in the year T543, Bp. Gardiner himself having taken an active
part in the correction of it. See Strype's Cranm. v. i. pp. 143 and
226. It would appear that this letter of the archbishop derives its *5
authority from the preceding proclamation, and was written after the
order in council was agreed upon, but before the proclamation was
issued. But here, as in many other cases, there is some confiisi<Hi as
to dates. Comp. Collier, v. ii. p. 241. Lingard. v. iv. p. 393.
Mandatum ad amovendas.'] Burnet, H. R. v. ii. p. 123. Collier, v. ii. 30
p. 241.
'54-70 Injunctions given hy Edward VI. 39
illustiissimum in Christo principem, et dominum nostrum
dominum Edwardum sextum Dei gratia Angliae, Franciae
et Hibemiae regem, fidei defensorem, et in terra ecclesiae
Anglieanae, et Hibemicae supremum caput, sufficienter
5 et legitime auctorizatus ; venerabili eonfratri nostro do-
mino Edmundo eadem permissione Londoniensi episcopo,
vestrove vicario in spiritualibus generali et oiliciali prin-
cipali, salutem et fratemam in Domino charitatem. Li-
terals missivas elarissimorum et prudentissimorum domi-
10 norum de private consilio suae regiae majestatis manibus
subscriptas, nobis inscriptas et directas nuper recepimus,
tenorem subsequentem complectentes.
After our right hartye recommendations to your good
lordship ; where now of late in the king's majestie's visi-
»5tation, amonge other godlye injunctions commaunded
to be generally observed throughe all partes of this his
highnes realme, one wes set forthe, for the taking downe
of all suche images, as had at any tyme ben abused with
pilgrimages, oiferinges orcensinges; albeit that this said
'0 injunction hathe in many partes of the realme ben wel
and quyetlye obeyed and executed, yet in many other
places muche stryfe and contentyon hath rysen and dayly
ryseth, and more and more encreaseth, about the execu-
tion of the same, some men beyng so superstytyous or
15 rather wylfiill, as they wold by theyr good wylles retayne
all suche images styll, although they have been mooste
manyfestlye abused, and in some places also the images
whiche by the saide injunctions were taken downe, be now
restored and set up againe, and almoste in every place ys
30 contentyon for images, whether they have been abused or
not ; and whiles these men go about on both sides con-
tentyoTislye to obtaine theyr mindes, contending whether
this or that image hath been offered unto, kyssed, censed,
or otherwyse abused, partyes have in some places ben
35 taken in suche sorte, as further inconvenyence is very
like to ensue, yf remedie be not provided in tyme : con-
D 4
40 Injunctions given by Edward VI. [IX.
sidering therefore that allmost in no places of this realme
ys any sure quyetness, but where all images be ho<^y
taken awaye and pulled downe already, to the intent that
all contentyon in everye parte of this realme for this
matter may be clerely taken away, and that the lyvely 5
images of Chryste shulde not contende for the deade
images, whiche be things not necessary, and without
whiche the churches of Christ contynued most godlye
many yeres. We have thought good to signify imto you,
that his highnes pleasure with th' advyse and consent of lo
us the lord protectour and the reste of the counsell ys,
that immediately upon the sight herof, with as con-
venyent diligence as you maye, you shall not onelye gyve
ordre, that all the images remayninge in any churche or
chappell within your diocese be removed and taken away, is
but also by your letters signifye unto the reste of the
busshopes within your provynce his highnesse pleasure
for the lyke order to be gyren by them and every of
them, within their several dioceses ; and in th'execution
therof we requyre bothe you and the reste of the bus- w
shopes foresayd, to use suche foresight as the same may
be quyetlye donne with as good satisfaction of the people
as may be. Thus fare your goode lordeshipe well. From
Somersett place the twenty first of February 1547.
Your lordshipp's assured frendes, E. Somersett, Jo. Rus- 25
sell, Henricus Arundell, T. Seymour, Anthony Wynge-
felde, William Pagett. Quibus quidera literis pro nostro
erga suam regiam majestatem officio, uti decet, obtempe-
rare summopere cupientes, vestrae fratemitati tenore
praesentium committimus et regiae majestatis vice et no- 30
mine, quibus in hac parte fimgimur, mandamus, quatenus
attento diligenter literarum hujuscemodi tenore, omnibus
et singulis confratribus coepiscopis nostris, et ecclesiae
nostrae Christi Cantuariensis suffraganeis, cum ea qua
poteritis celeritate accommoda praecipiatis, ut ipsorumss
singuli in suis cathedralibus, nee non civitatum et dioece-
1547-] Injimdions given hy Edward VI. 41
sium 8uaram parochialium ecclesiis, exposito publico
literarum hujuscemodi tenore, omnia et singula in Uteris
praeinsertis comprekensa, deducta et descripta, quatenus
eos concemunt, in omnibus et per omnia exequi et per-
$ impleriy sedulo et accurate curent et fieri non postponant,
sicque a vobis, frater charissime, in civitate et dioecesi
vestris London, per omnia fieri et perimpleri volumus et
mandamus. Dat. in manerio. nostro de Lambehithe
vigesimo quarto die mensis Februarii, anno Domini juxta
10 computationem ecclesiae Anglicanae 1547. Et nostrae
consecrationis anno 15.
X.
PafMB Rom. Archiepisc. Quit. Anno (/hriHti R«g. AngHai
Paul. III. 14. Tuo. Cbanheb. 16. i547* Edward. VI. 2,
Articles to be enquired of in the visitations to be had
within the diocese of Canterbury^ in the second year of
the reign of our dread sovereign lord Edward the SiMh^
by the grace of God king of England^ France^ and
Ireland^ defender of the faith, and in earth of the
church of England and also of Ireland, the supreme
head.
IJ^RST, Whether parsons, vicars and curates, and
every of them have purely and sincerely, without
colour or dissimulation, four times in the year at the
'5 least, preached against the usurped power, pretended
authority, and jurisdiction of the bishop of Rome.
Articles to be enquired] Strype, Craijra. vol. i. p. 259. " Injunc-
tioiu were certainly given by the archbishop either at this or some
other diocesan visitation shortly afterwards, as they are referred to in
10 those which he delivered to the Chapter of Canterbury two years later."
Cranmer's Works by Jenkyns, vol. i. p lix.
4S Injunctions given hy Edt/oard VI. [X.
Item, Whether they have preached and declared like-
wise four times in the year at the least, that the king's
majesty's power, authority and pre-eminence, within his
realms and dominions, is the highest power under God.
Item, Whether any person hath by writing, cyphering, 5
preaching, or teaching, deed or act, obstinately holden,
and stand with to extol, set forth, maintain or defend
the authority, jurisdiction, or power of the bishop of
Rome, or of his see heretofore claimed and usurped,
or by any pretence, obstinately or maliciously, invented lo
any thing for the extolling of the same, or any part
thereof.
Item, Whether in their common prayers they use not
the collects made for the king, and make not special
mention of his majesty's name in the same. 15
Item, Whether they do not every Sunday and holy-
day, with the collects of the English procession, say the
prayer set forth by the king's majesty for peace between
England and Scotland.
Item, Whether they have not removed, taken away «<>
and utterly extincted and destroyed in their churches,
chapels, and houses, all images, all shrines, coverings of
shrines, all tables, candlesticks, trindles, or rolls of wax,
pictures, paintings, and all other monuments of feigned
miracles, pilgrimages, idolatry, and superstition, so that ^5
there remain no memory of the same in walls, glass
windows, or elsewhere.
Item, Whether they have exhorted, moved and stirred
their parishioners to do the like in every of their houses.
Item, Whether they have declared to their parish* 50
ioners the articles concerning the abrogation of certain
superfluous holy-days, and done their endeavour to per-
suade the said parishioners to keep and observe the same
articles inviolably; and whether any of those abrogate
days have been kept as holy-days, and by whose occasion 35
they were so kept.
15470 Injunctions ffiven hy Edward VL 48
Item, Whether they have diligently, duly, and reve-
rently ministered the sacraments in their cures.
Item, Whether they have preached, or caused to be
preached purely and sincerely the word of God, in every
5 of their cures, every quarter of the year, once at the
least, exhorting their parishioners to works commanded
by the scripture, and not to works devised by men's
fantasies besides scripture, as wearing or praying upon
beads, or such like.
«o Item, Whether they suffer any torches, candles, tapers,
or any other lights to be in your churches, but only two
lights upon the high altar.
Item, Whether they have not every holy-day, when
they have no sermon, immediately after the Gospel,
«5 openly, plainly and distinctly, recited to the parishioners
in the pulpit, the " Pater noster,*' the Creed, and the Ten
Commandments in English.
Item, Whether every Lent they examine such persons
as come to confession to them, whether they can recite
«> the " Pater noster," the Articles of our faith, and the
Ten Commandments in English.
Item, Whether they have charged fathers and mothers,
masters and governors of youth, to bring them up in
some virtuous study and occupation.
*5 Item, Whether such beneficed men, as be lawfully
absent from their benefices, do leave their cure to a rude
and unlearned person, and not an honest, well learned
and expert curate, which can and will teach you whole-
some doctrine.
^ Item, Whether in every cure they have, they have
provided one book of the whole Bible of the largest
volume in English, and the Paraphrasis of Erasmus also
in English upon the Gt)spels, and set up the same in
some convenient place in the church, where their pa-
35 rishioners may most commodiously' resort to the same.
Item, Whether they have discouraged any person from
44 Injunctions fftven by Edward VI, [X.
reading of any part of the Bible, either in Latin or in
English, but rather comforted and exhorted every person
to read the same, as the very lively word of God, and
the special food of man's soul.
Item, Whether parsons, vicars, curates, and others
priests, be common haunters and resorters to taverns or
alehouses, giving themselves to drinking, rioting or play-
ing at unlawful games, and do not occupy themselves
in the reading or hearing of some part of holy scripture,
or in some other godly exercise. w
Item, Whether they have admitted any man to preach
in their cures, not being lawfully licensed thereunto,
or have refused or denied such to preach, as have been
licensed accordingly.
Item, Whether they which have heretofore declared «5
to their parishioners, any thing to the extolling or setting
forth of pilgrimages, relics or images, or lighting of
candles, kissing, kneeling, decking of the same images,
or any such superstition, have not openly recanted and
reproved the same. «o
Item, Whether they have one book or register safely
kept, wherein they write the day of every wedding,
christening and burying.
Item, Whether they have exhorted the people to
obedience to the king's majesty and his ministers, and to '5
charity and love one to another.
Item, Whether they have admonished their parish-
ioners, that they ought not to presimie to receive the
sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, before they
can perfectly rehearse the " Pater noster," the Articles of 30
the Faith, and the Ten Commandments in English.
Item, Whether they have declared, and to their wits
and power have persuaded the people, that the manner
and kind of fasting in Lent, and other days in the year,
is but a mere positive law, and that therefore all persons, 35
having just cause of sickness, or other necessity, or b^ng
'547'] Injunctions ffiven by Edtcard VI. 45
licensed by the king's majesty, may moderately eat all
kind of meats without grudge or scruple of conscience.
Item, Whether they be resident upon their benefices,
and keep hospitality or no; and if they be absent, or
5 keep no hospitality, whether they do make due distri-
butions among the poor parishioners or not.
Item, Whether parsons, vicars, clerks, and other bene-
ficed men, having yearly to dispend an hundred pound,
do not find competently one scholar in the university of
*<^ Cambridge or Oxford, or some grammar school, and for
as many hundred pounds as every of them may dispend,
so many scholars likewise to be found by them, and what
be their names that they so find.
Item, Whether proprietaries, parsons, vicars and clerks,
'5 having churches, chapels or mansions, do keep their
chancels, rectories, vicarages, and all other houses ap-
pertaining to them in due reparations.
Item, Whether they have counselled or moved their
parishioners, rather to pray in a tongue not known, than
>o in English, or to put their trust in a prescribed number
of prayers, as in saying over a number of beads, or
other like.
Item, Whether they have read the king's majesty's
injunctions every quarter of the year, the first holy-day
^5 of the same quarter.
Item, Whether the parsons, vicars, curates, and other
priests being under the degree of a bachelor of divinity,
have of their own the New Testament both in Latin
and Elnglish, and the Paraphrase of Erasmus upon the
30 same.
Item, Whether within every church he that minis-
tereth hath read or cause to be read the Epistle and
Gospel in English, and not in Latin, either in the pulpit
or some other meet place, so as the people may hear
$s the same.
Item, Whether every Sunday and holy-day at matins
46 lujunctiofu given by Edward VI. [X.
they have read or cause to be read, plainly and dis-
tinctly in the said place, one chapter of the New Testa-
ment in English, immediately after the Lessons, and at
evensong after " Magnificat," one chapter of the Old
Testament. 5
Item, Whether they have not at matins omitted three
lessons when nine should have been read in the church,
and at evensong the responds with all the memories.
Item, Whether they have declared to their parish-
ioners, that Saint Mark's day, and the evens of theio
abrogate holy-days should not be fasted.
Item, Whether they have the procession book in
English, and have said or sung the said litany in any
other place but upon their knees in the midst of their
church ; and whether they use any other procession, or 15
omit the said litany at any time, or say it or sing it in
such sort, as the people camiot understand the same.
Item, Whether they have put out of their church
books this word " papa," and the name and service of
Thomas Becket, and prayers having rubrics, containing to
pardons or indulgences, and all other superstitious legends
and prayers.
Item, Whether they bid not the beads according to
the order appointed by the king's majesty.
Item, Whether they have opened and declared unto n
you the true use of ceremonies (that is to say) that they
be no workers nor works of salvation, but only outward
signs and tokens, to put us in remembrance of things of
higher perfection.
Item, Whether they have taught and declared to their 30
parishioners, that they may with a safe and quiet con-
science in the time of harvest, labour upon the holy and
festival days, and if superstitiously they abstain from
working upon those days, that then they do grievously
offend and displease God. 35
Item, Whether they have admitted any persons to the
154^.] InJuHctians given by Edward VI, 47
communion, being openly known to be out of charity
with their neighbours.
Item, Whether the deans, archdeacons, masters of
hospitals, and prebendaries, have preached by themselves
5 personally twice every year at the least.
Item, Whether they have provided, and have a strong
chest for the poor men's box, and set and fastened the
same near to their high altar.
Item, Whether they have diligently called upon, ex-
10 horted and moved their parishioners, and specially when
they make their testaments, to give to the said poor
men's box, and to bestow that upon the poor chest,
which they were wont to bestow upon pardons, pilgrim-
ages, trentals, masses satisfactory, decking of images,
15 offering of candles, giving to friars, and upon other like
blind devotions.
Item, Whether they have denied to visit the sick, or
bury the dead being brought to the church.
Item, Whether they have bought their benefices, or
to come to them by fraud or deceit.
Item, Whether they have every Sunday, when the
people be most gathered, read one of the homilies, in
order as they stand in the book, set forth by the king's
majesty.
'5 Item, Whether they do not omit prime and hours,
when they have any sermon or homily.
Item, Whether they have said or sung any mass, in
any oratory, chapel, or any man's house, not being
hallowed.
p Item, Whether they have given open monition to
their parishioners that they should not wear beads, nor
jMny upon them.
Item, Whether they have moved their parishioners,
lying upon their death-beds, or at any other time, to
3$ bestow any part of their substance upon trentals, masses
satisfiEU^tory, or any such blind devotions.
48 Tnjtmcticm given hy Edward VI. [X.
Item, Whether they take any trentals or other masses
satisfactory to say or sing for the quick or the dead.
Item, Whether they have given open monition to
their parishioners to detect and present to their ordinary
all adulterers and fornicators, and such men as have two 5
wives living, and such women as have two husbands
living within their parishes.
Item, Whether they have not monished their pa-
rishioners openly, that they should not sell, give, nor
otherwise alienate any of their churches' goods. lo
Item, Whether they, or any of them do keep more
benefices, and other ecclesiastical promotions than they
ought to do, not having sufficient license and dispen-
sations thereunto, and how many they be, and their
names. 15
Item, Whether they minister the communion any
other ways than only after such form and manner as
is set forth by the king's majesty in the book of the
commimion.
Item, Whether they hallowed and delivered to the «o
people any candles upon Candlemas-day, and ashes upon
Ash- Wednesday, or any palms upon Palm-Sunday last
past.
Item, Whether they had upon Good-Friday last past,
the sepulchres with their lights, having the sacrament *5
therein.
Item, Whether they upon Easter-even last past hal-
lowed the font, fire or paschal, or had any paschal set
up, or burning in their churches.
Item, Whether your parsons and vicars have admitted ^
any curates to serve their cures, which were not first
examined and allowed either by my lord of Canterbury,
master archdeacon, or their officers.
Item, ^Vhether you know any person within your
parish, or elsewhere, that is a letter of the word of God ^s-
to be read in English, or sincerely preached, or of the'
'547*] Infundums pif>en by Edward VL 49
execution of the king's majesty's injunctions, or other
his majesty's proceedings in matters of religion.
Item, Whether every parish have provided a chest
vrith two locks for the book of wedding, christening
5 and burying.
Item, Whether in the time of the litany, or any other
common prayer in the time of the sermon or homily, and
when the priest readeth the scripture to the parishioners,
any person have departed out of the church without a
lo just and necessary cause.
Item, Whether any bells have been knowled or rung
at the time of the premisses.
Item, Whether any person hath abused the cere-
monies, as in casting holy water upon his bed, or bearing
■5 about him holy bread, St. John's Gospel, ringing of holy
bells, or keeping of private holy-days, as taylors, bakers,
brewers, smiths, shoemakers, and such other.
Item, Whether the money coming and rising of any
cattle, or other movable stocks of the church, and
M money given or bequeathed to the finding of torches,
lights, tapers or lamps (not paid out of any lands) have
not been employed to the poor men's chest.
Item, Who hath the said stocks and money in their
hands, and what be their names.
«5 Item, Whether any undiscreet persons do uncharitably
contemn and abuse priests and ministers of the church.
Item, Whether they that understand not the Latin, do
pray upon any primer, but the English primer, set forth
by the king's majesty's authority ; and whether they that
30 understand Latin, do use any other than the Latin
primer, set forth by like authority.
Item, Whether there be any other grammar taught in
any other school within this diocese, than that which is
set forth by the king's majesty.
35 Item, Whether any person keep their church holy-
VOL. I. E
50 Injunctions given by Edward VI. [X.
day, and the dedication day, any otherwise, or at any
other time than is appointed by the king's majesty.
Item, Wliether the service in the church be done at
due and convenient hours.
Item, Whether any have used to commune, jangle» s
and talk in the church in the time of the common
prayer, reading of the homily, preaching, reading or
declaring of the scripture.
Item, Whether any have wilfully maintained and de-
fended any heresies, errors or false opinions, contraiy to lo
the faith of Christ, and holy scripture.
Item, Whether any be common drunkards, swearers
or blasphemers of the name of God.
Item, Whether any have committed adultery, fornica-
tion, or incest, or be common bawds, and receivers of »5
such evil persons, or vehemently suspected of any of the
premisses.
Item, Whether any be brawlers, slanderers, chiders,
scolders, and sowers of discord between one person and
another. ao
Item, Whether you know any that use charms^
sorcery, enchantments, witchcraft, soothsaying, or any
like craft invented by the devil.
Item, Whether the churches, pulpits, and other
necessaries appertaining to the same, be sufficiently 15
repaired.
Item, Whether you know any that in contempt of
your own parish church, do resort to any other church.
Item, Whether any innholders or alehouse keepers do
use commonly to sell meat and drink in the time of 30
common prayer, preaching, or reading of the homiKes,
or scripture.
Item, Whether you know any to be married within
the degrees prohibited by the laws of God, or that be
separated or divorced without a just cause, allowed by 35
1548.] InJuneHans given hy Edward VI. 51
the law of God, and whether any such have married
again.
Item, Whether you know any to have made privy
contracts of matrimony, not calling two or more there*
5 unto.
Item, Whether they have married solemnly, the banns
not first lawfully asked.
Item, Whether you know any executors or adminis-
trators of dead men's goods, which do not bestow such
10 of the said goods, as were given and bequeathed, or
appointed to be distributed among the poor people, re-
pairing of high ways, finding of poor scholars, or marrying
of poor maids, or such other like charitable deeds.
Item, Whether any do contemn married priests, and
15 for that they be married, will not receive the communion
or other sacraments at their hands.
Item, Whether you know any that keep in their
houses undefticed, any abused or feigned images, any
tables, pictures, paintings, or other monuments of feigned
•o miracles, pilgrimages, idolatry, or superstition.
XL
Vwgm Rom. Ardiiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi R«g. Aiigli»
Paul. 111. 14. Tbo. Chakmer. 16. 1548. Edward. VI. ».
A letter sent to aU those preachers which the king's ma-^
jesty haih licensed to preachy from the lord protector's
gracCy and other of the king^s majesty's most honourable
council, the I3th day of May. in the second year of the
reign of our sovereign lord king Edward VI. Ex
Burnet Hist. Reform, vol. ii. app. pag. 130.
A FTER our right hearty commendations, as well for
the conservation of the quietness and good order of
A letter sent to all those] In the proclamation of the preceding
Febroary (N®. VII.) licenses were allowed to be given to preachers
from the king, the king's visitors, the archbishop or the bishops within
E 2
52 Injunctions given hy Edward VI. [XI.
the king's majesty's subjects, as that they should not by
evil and unlearned preachers be brought unto super-
stition, error, or evil doctrine, or otherwise be made
stubborn and disobedient to the king's majesty's godly
proceedings ; his highness, by our advice, hath thought 5
good to inhibit all manner of preachers, who have not
such license as in the same proclamation is allowed, to
preach or stir the people in open and common preach-
ings of sermons, by any means, that the devout and
godly homilies might the better in the meanwhile sink la
into his subjects' hearts, and be learned the sooner, the
people not being tossed to and fro with seditious and
contentious preaching, while every man according to his
zeal, some better, some worse, goeth about to set out
his own fantasy, and to draw the people to his opinion. 15
Nevertheless it is not his majesty's mind, hereby clearly
to extinct the lively teaching of the word of God by
sermons made after such sort, as for the time the Holy
Ghost shall put into the preacher's mind ; but that rash^
contentious, hot and undiscreet preachers should be *>
stopped, and that they only, which be chosen and elect,
be discreet and sober men, should occupy that place
their respective dioceses. In a proclamation of the 24th of April
(see Strype*s Mem. V. 2. P. i. p. 142.) this power of licensing was
given exclusively to the king, to the protector and the archbishop of 25
Canterbury; and this letter of the council, dated May 13, was ad-
dressed to all preachers so licensed by the king or the protector. But
disturbances still continued; and another proclamation, bearing date
September 23rd in the same year, and referring to the previous pro-
clamation of April 24th (see N^. XIII.), cancelled the licenses of 30
whatever kind previously given, and prohibited all preaching for the
future, until one uniform order should be had throughout the realm.
" So thzt now," says Strype, (Mem. v. ii. P. i. p. 142.) " no bishop
might license any to preach in his own diocese, nay, nor might preach
himself without license : so I have seen licenses to preach granted to 35
the bishop of Exeter, an. 1551. and to the bishops of Lincoln and
Chichester, an. i 552." Lingard. iv. v. p. 386. n. Sharp on the Rubric,
p. 148.
154^] * Injunctions given by Edward VI, 53
which was made for edification and not for destruction,
for the honour of God and peace, and quietness of con-
science, to be set forward, not for private glory to be
advanced, to appease, to teach, to instruct the people
5 with humility, and patience, not to make them conten-
tious and proud, to instil into them their duty to their
heads and rulers, obedience to laws and orders, appointed
by the superiors, who have rule of God, nor that every
man should run before their heads hath appointed them
«o what to do, and that every man should choose his own
way in religion. The which thing yet being done of
some men, and they being rather provoked thereto by
certain preachers, than dehorted from it, it was necessary
to set a stay therein. And yet forasmuch as we have
15 a great confidence and trust in you, that you will not
only preach truly and sincerely the word of God, but
also will use circumspection and moderation in your
preaching, and such godly wisdom, as shall be necessary
and most convenient for the time and place, we have
20 sent unto you the king's majesty's license to preach, but
yet with this exhortation and admonishment, that in no-
wise you do stir and provoke the people to any altera-
tion or innovation, other than is already set forth by the
king's majesty's injunctions, homilies, and proclamations ;
n but contrariwise, that you do in all your sermons exhort
men to that which is at this time more necessary, that
is, to the emendation of their own lives, to the observ-
ance of the commandments of God, to humility, patience
and obedience to their heads and rulers, comforting the
JO weak and teaching them the right way, and to flee all
old, erroneous superstitions, as the confidence in pardon,
pilgrimages, beads, religious images, and other such of
the bishop of Rome's traditions and superstitions, with
his usurped power, the which thing be here in this realm
35 most justly abolished ; and straitly rebuking those, who
of an arrogancy and proud hastiness will take upon them
E 3
54 Injunctions given by Edtoard VI. * [XL
to run before they be sent, to go before the rulers, to
alter and change things in religion without authority,
teaching them to expect and tarry the time which God
hath ordained to the revealing of all truth, and not to
seek so long blindly and hidlings after it, till they bring 5
all orders into contempt. It is not a private man's duty
to alter ceremonies, to innovate orders in the church,
nor yet it is not a preacher's part to bring that into con-
tempt and hatred, which the prince doth either allow or
is content to suffer. The king's highness by our advice, "
as a prince most earnestly given to the true knowledge
of God, and to bring up his people therein, doth not
cease to labour and travail by all godly means, that his
realm might be brought and kept in a most godly and
Christian order, who only may and ought to do it ; why is
should a private man or a preacher take this royal and
kingly office upon him, and not rather, as his duty is,
obediently follow himself, and teach likewise others to
follow and observe that which is commanded ? What is
abolished, taken away, reformed and commanded it is 20
easy to see by the acts of parliament, the injunctions,
proclamations, and homilies ; the which things most
earnestly it behoveth all preachers in their sermons to
confirm, and approve accordingly ; in other things, which
be not yet touched, it behoveth him to think, that either 15
the prince did allow them, or else suffer them, and in
those it is the part of a godly man, not to thmk himself
wiser than the king's majesty and his council, but pa-
tiently to expect and to conform himself thereto, and
not to intermeddle further to the disturbance of a realm, 3*
the disquieting of the king's people, the troubling of
men's consciences, and disorder of the king's subjects.
These things we have thought good to admonish you
of at this time, because we think you will set the same
so forward in your preaching, and so instruct the king's 35
majesty's people according to the most advancement of
154^0 In/tmetions given hy Edward VI. ^
the glory of God, and the king's majesty's most godly
proceedings, that we do not doubt but much profit shall
ensue thereby, and great conformity in the people, the
which you do instruct, and so we pray you not to fail to
5 do, and having a special regard to the weakness of the
people, what they may bear and what is most convenient
for the time, in no case to intermeddle in your sermons,
or otherwise, with matters in contention or controversion,
except it be to reduce the people in them also to obedi-
«o ence, and following of such orders, as the king's majesty
hath already set forth, and no other, as the king's ma-
jesty's and our trust is in you, and as you tender his
highness' will and pleasure, and will answer to the con-
trary at your peril
15 Fare you well.
June 1, 1548.
XII.
Pape Rom. Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christi R<^. Angli»
Paul. III. 14. Tuo. Crahmek. 16. 1548. Kdward. VI. 2.
Injunctions given by the king^s majesty's visitors to all and
every the clergy and laity now resident within the
deanery of Duncastre, — Ex MS. Johnson apud Burnet
Hist. Reform, vol. 2. app. pag. 126.
"VrOU shall not hereafter in the pulpit, or elsewhere,
on the Sunday or any other day, give knowledge
to your parishioners, when or what day in the week any
wof the abrogate holy-days were solemnized or kept in
the church, but omit the same with silence, as other
working days for the utter abolishing of the remem-
brance thereof.
InjunctioM ghen] Burnet, H. R. vol. ii. p. 121. Collier, vol. ii.
p. 241.
E 4
56 Injtmctions given by Edward VI. [XII.
Item, You shall teach your parishioners, that fasting
in the Lent and other days is a mere positive, that is to
say, man's law, and by the magistrates upon consider-
ations may be altered, changed, and dispensed with ;
and that therefore all persons having just cause of sick- *
ness or other necessity, or being licensed thereto, may
temperately eat all kinds of meats without scruple or
grudge of conscience.
Item, You shall every day, that an high mass is said
or sung at the high altar, before the same mass read lo
openly in your churches the English suflfrages, for the
preservation and safeguard of the king's majestjr's people,
and prosperous success of his a&irs.
Item, You shall every Sunday, at the time of your
going about the church with holy water, into three or 15
four places, where most audience and assembly of people
is, for the declaration of the ceremonies, say distinctly
and plainly, that your parishioners may well hear and
perceive the same, these words : " remember Christ's
bloodshedding, by the which most holy sprinkling of 10
all your sins you have free pardon." And in like man-
ner before the dealing of the holy bread these words :
" of Christ's body this is a token, which on the cross
for our sins was broken ; wherefore of his death if you
will be partakers, of vice and sin you must be forsakers." 15
And the clerk in the like manner shall bring down the
pax, and standing without the church door, shall say
boldly to the people these words : " this is a token of
jojrful peace, which is betwixt God and men's conscience ;
Christ alone is the peacemaker, which straitly com-^
mands peace between brother and brother." And so
long as ye use these ceremonies, so long shall ye use
these significations.
Item, The churchwardens of every parish church
shall some one Sunday, or other festival day, every 35
month, go about the church and make request to every
1548.] Injunctions given by Edward VI. 57
of the parish for their charitable contributions to the
poor, and the sum so collected, shall be put in the chest
of alms, for that purpose provided ; and for as much as
the parish clerk shall not hereafter go about the parish
5 with his holy water, as hath been accustomed, he shall
instead of that labour accompany the said churchwar-
dens, and in a book register the name and sum of every
man that giveth any thing to the poor, and the same
shall intable, and against the next day of collection
>o shall hang up somewhere in the church, in open place,
to the intent the poor having knowledge thereby, by
whose charity and alms they be relieved, may pray for
the increase and prosperity of the same.
Item, The churchwardens for the better relief of
15 honest poverty, shall upon sufficient surety found for
the repayment of the same, lend to some young married
couple, or some poor inhabitants of the parish, some
part of the said alms, whereby they may buy some kind
of stuff; by the working, sale, and gains whereof, they
20 may repay the sum borrowed, and also well relieve
themselves ; or else the said churchwardens to buy the
stuff themselves and pay the poor for the working
thereof, and after sale of the same, to return the sum
with the gain to the said chest, there to remain to such
15 like use.
Item, Forasmuch as heretofore you have not by any
means, diligence or study, advanced yourselves unto
knowledge in God's word, and his scriptures, condignly
as appertaineth to priests and dispensators of God's tes-
30 tament ; to the intent you may hereafter be of better
ability to discharge yourselves towards God and your
offices to the world, you shall daily for your own study
and knowledge, read over diligently and weigh with
judgment twd chapters of the new testament, and one
55 of the old in English, and the same shall put in ure and
58 Injunctions ffiven hy Edward VI. [XIII.
practice, as well in living as preaching, at times conve-
nient, when occasion is given.
Item, Forasmuch as drunkenness, idleness, brawls, dis-
sension, and many other inconveniences do chance be-
tween neighbour and neighbour, by the assembly of 5
people together at wakes, and on the plough Mondays ;
it is therefore ordered and enjoyned, that hereafter the
people shall use, make, or observe no more such wakes,
plough Mondays, or drawing of the same with any such
assembly or rout of people, or otherwise, as hath been 10
accustomed, upon pain of forfeiting to the king's high-
ness forty shillings for every default, to be paid by the
owner of the plough and householder, whereunto the
said plough is drawn, or wakes are kept.
The names of the visitors, '5
Sir John Markham, Roger Tongue,
John Hearn, Will. Moreton,
Tho. Gargrave, Edm. Farely,
XIII.
Papae Rom. Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christi R^- Anglie
Paul. IU. 14. Tho. Crakmer. 16. 1548. Edward. VI. 3.
A proclamation for the inhibition of all preachers ; the
second of Edward the Sivthy Sept. 23. — Ex Fuller
Ch. Hist. lib. 7. pag. 388.
VXTHEREAS of late by reason of certain controver-
sions and seditious preachers, the king's majesty to
A proclamation] On this proclamation Bp. Burnet observes, (H. R.
vol. ii. p. 167.) "I never met with any footstep of it, neither in
records, nor in letters, nor in any book written at that time. But
Mr. Fuller has printed it^ and Dr. Heylin has given an abstract of it
from him." CoUier also quotes it without suspicion, v. ii. p. 26a. t$
^548-] Injunctions given by Edward VI. 59
moved of tender zeal and love, which he hath to the
quiet of the subjects, by the advice of the lord pro-
tector, and other his highness' council, hath by proclama-
tion inhibited and commanded, that no manner of per-
5 son, except such as was licensed by his highness, the
lord protector, or by the archbishop of Canterbury,
should take upon him to preach, in any open audience,
upon pain in the said proclamation contained, and that
upon hope and assurance, that those being chosen and
«> elect men should preach and set forth only to the peo-
ple such things, as should be to God's honour, and the
benefit of the king's majesty's subjects ; yet nevertheless
his highness is advertised, that certain of the said
preachers so licensed not regarding such good admoni-
«s tions, as have been by the lord protector and the rest
of the council on his majesty's behalf by letters or
otherwise given unto them, have abused the said autho-
rity of preaching, and behaved themselves irreverently,
and \iithout good order in the said preachings, contrary
TO to such good instructions and advertisements, as were
given unto them, whereby much contention and disorder
might rise and ensue in this his majesty's realm : where-
fore his highness minding to see very shortly one uni-
form order throughout this his realm, and to put an end
25 to all controversies in religion, so far as God should give
grace (for which cause at this time certain bishops and
notable learned men, by his highness' commandment, are
congregate) hath by the advice aforesaid, thought good,
although certain and many of the said preachers so be-
30 fore licensed, have behaved themselves very discreetly and
wisely, and to the honour of God and to his highness'
contentation ; yet at this present and until such time as
the said order shall be set forth generally, throughout
his majesty's realm, to inhibit and by these presents do
3S inhibit generally as well the said preachers, so before
licensed, as all manner of persons whosoever they be,
60 Injunctions given by Edicard VI. [XIV.
to preach in open audience, in the pulpit or otherwise,
by any sought colour or fraud, to the disobeying of this
commandment, to the intent, that the whole clergy in
this mean space might apply themselves to prayer to
almighty God for the better achieving of the same most 5
godly intent and purpose ; not doubting but that also his
loving subjects in the mean time will occupy themselves
to God's honour, with due prayer in the church, and
patient hearing of the godly homilies, heretofore set
forth by his highness' injunctions unto them, and so en- lo
deavour themselves that they may be the more ready
with thankful obedience to receive a most quiets godly
and uniform order to be had throughout all his said
realms and dominions ; and therefore hath willed all his
loving officers and ministers, as well justices of peace, 15
as mayors, sheriffs, bailiffs, constables, or any other his
officers, of what estate, degree, or condition soever they
be, to be attendant upon this proclamation, and com-
mandment, and to see the infringers or breakers thereof
to be imprisoned, and his highness or the lord protector's 20
grace, or his majesty's council to be certified thereof
immediately, as they tender his majesty's pleasure, and
will answer to the contrary at their peril.
XIV.
Papse Koin. AiThie}»is(!. Cant. Anno ('hristi Reg. Aiigli«
Paul. III. 15. Tho. Chanmer. 17. 15|H. Edward. VI. 3.
Letter missive from the council to the bishops of the realfn^
concerning the communion to be ministered in both kinds.
Ex ii. Fox. p. 659.
A FTER our most hearty commendations unto your
lordship. Where in the parliament late holden>5
Letter missive'] *' The Order of the Communion," having previously
been approved by the Convocation, and authorized bv Act of PMia-
I
'5480 Injunctions aiven by Edtpard VI. 61
at Westminster it was amongst other things most godly
established, that according to the first institution and
use of the primitive church, the most holy sacrament
of the body and blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ, should
5 be distributed to the people under the kinds of bread
and wine; according to the effect whereof the king's
majesty minding with the advice and consent of the lord
protector's grace, and the rest of the council, to have
the said statute well executed in such sort, or like as is
lo agreeable with the word of God (so the same may be
also faithfully and reverently received of his most loving
subjects, to their comforts and wealth) hath caused
sundry of his majesty's most grave and well learned
prelates, and other learned men in the scripture, to
15 assemble themselves for this matter, who after long
conference together have with deliberate advice, finally
agreed upon such an order to be used in all places of
the king's majesty's dominions, in the distribution of
the said most holy sacrament, as may appear to you by
«o the book thereof, which we send herewith unto you ;
albeit knowing your lordship's knowledge in the scrip-
tures, and earnest good will and zeal to the setting forth
of all things, according to the truth thereof, we be well
assured you will of your own good will, and upon respect
35 to your duty, diligently set forth this most godly order
here agreed upon, and commanded to be used by the
authority of the king's majesty; yet remembering the
crafty practice of the devil, who ceases not by his mem-
bers to work by all ways and means the hinderance of
50 all godliness ; and considering furthermore, that a great
number of the curates of the realm either for lack of
ment, was printed by Grafton on the 8th of March, 1548, and accom-
panied by a proclamation enjoining the general use of it. See ** The
two Liturgies of King Edward VI. compared," pp. vii. and 425. The
35 Letter missive required that it should be uniformly used at the ensuing
Easter.
62 Injunctions given hy Edward VI. [XIV.
knowledge cannot, or for want of good mind will not,
be so ready to set forth the same, as we would wish,
and as the importance of the matter and their own
bounden duty requires, we have thought good to pray
and require your lordship, and nevertheless in the king's 5
majesty, our most dread lord's name, to command you
to have an earnest diligence and careful respect both in
your own person, and by all your officers and ministers,
also to cause these books to be delivered to every parson,
vicar and curate, within yoiu* diocese, with such dili- lo
gence, as they may have sufficient time well to instruct
and advise themselves, for the distribution of the most
holy communion, according to the order of this book,
before this Easter time, and that they may by your good
means be well directed to use such good, gentle, and 's
charitable instruction, of their simple and unlearned
parishioners, as may be to all their good satisfactions,
as much as may be ; praying you to consider, that this
order is set forth, to the intent there should be in all
parts of this realm, and among all men, one uniform ao
manner quietly used, the execution whereof like as it
shall stand very nmch in the diligence of you and others
of your vocation, so do we eftsoons require you to have
a diligent respect thereunto, as ye tender the king's
majesty's pleasure, and will answer for the contrary, as
And thus we bid your lordship right heartily fiarewel.
From Westm. the thirteenth of March, 1548.
Your lordship's loving friends,
Tho. Canterbury, Anthony Wingfield,
R. Rich, William Petre, 30
WiL. Saint John, Edward North,
John Russell, Edward Wooton-
Henry Arundell,
1549-] I»fundioHS given hy Edward VI. 68
XV.
Pap8B Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Angliae
Paul. III. 15. Tho. Cranmeb. 17. 1549. Edward. VI. 3.
Articles to be followed and observed according to the kin^s
majesty's injunctions and proceedings. Ex MS. John-
son apud Burnet, Hist. Reform, vol. ii. app. p. 165.
1. T^HAT all parsons, vicars and curates omit in the
reading of the injunctions, all such as make
mention of the popish mass, of chantries, of candles upoii
the altar, or any other such like thing.
5 2. Item, For an uniformity, that no minister do coun-
terfeit the popish mass, as to kiss the Lord's table;
washing his fingers at every time in the communion ;
blessing his eyes with the paten, or sudary ; or crossing
his head with the paten ; shifting of the book from one
lo place to another; laying down and licking the chalice
of the communion; holding up his fingers, hands, or
Articles to be followed] Instructions given in charge to the visitors
on a new royal visitation, and differing in some respects from the
former Injunctions : for instance, in the Injunctions, (No. II.) and in
15 Cranmer's Articles founded upon them, (No. X.) two lights were
allowed upon the high altar; in these Articles it is forbidden that
there should be any " candles upon the altar," or " any light upon the
Lord's board at any time." See also Bp. Ridley's Injunctions, No.
XXL, and Burnet, H. R. v. ii. p. 209. It is clear that these Articles
10 were drawn up after the Act of Uniformity had passed, (Jan. 2 1 , 1549,)
which enjoined that the new (the first) Book of Common Prayer should
be used from the following Whitsunday ; as may be shewn from the
eighth Article, which was taken from the following rubric of that
book : " The curate of every parish, once in six weeks at the least,
3j upon warning by him given, shall, upon some Sunday or holy-day,
half an hour before evensong, openly in the church instruct and
examine so many children of his parish sent unto him, as the time
wiU serve, and as he shall think convenient, in some part of this
Catechism." The two Lit. of King Edward VI. compared, p. 351.
64 Injunctions given by Edward VI. [XV.
thumbs, joined towards his temples ; breathing upon the
bread or chalice ; shewing the sacrament openly before
the distribution of the communion ; ringing or sacrymg
bells ; or setting any light upon the Lord's board at
any time ; and finally to use no other ceremonies than 5
are appointed in the king's book of common prayers, or
kneeling, otherwise than is in the said book.
3. Item, That none buy or sell the holy communion,
as in trentals and such other.
4. Item, That none be suffered to pray upon beads, i©
and so the people to be diligently admonished, and such
as will not be admonished, to be put from the holy
communion.
5. Item, That after the homily, every Sunday, the
minister exhort the people, especially the communicants, 15
to remember the poor men's box with their charity.
6. Item, To receive no corpse, but at the churchyard,
without bell or cross.
7. Item, That the common prayer upon Wednesdays
and Fridays be diligently kept, according to the king's 10
ordinances, exhorting such as may conveniently come
to be there.
8. Item, That the curates, every sixth week at the
least, teach and declare diligently the catechism, accord-
ing to the book of the same. 15
9. Item, Tliat no man maintain purgatory, invocation
of saints, the six articles, beadroUs, images, relics, lights,
holy bells, holy beads, holy water, palms, ashes, candles,
sepulchres, paschal, creeping to the cross, hallowing of the
font of the popish manner, oil, chrism, altars, beads, or 30
any other such abuses, and superstitions, contrary to the
king's majesty's proceedings.
10. Item, That within any church or chapel be not
used any more than one communion, upon any day,
except Christmas day and Easter day. 35
11. Item, That none keep the abrogate holy-days
'549-] InjunctioKB given hy Edward VL 65
other than those that have their proper and peculiar
service.
18. Item, That the churchwardens suffer no buying
or selling, gaming, or unfitting demeanour in church or
5 churchyards, especially during the conmion prayer, the
sermon, and reading of the homily.
13. Item, That going to the sick with the sacrament
the minister have not with him either light or bells.
XVI.
Paps Rocn. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Anglis
Paul. III. 15. Tho. Cranmer. 17. '549- Edward. VI. 3.
The councirs letter to bishop Bonner for reformation of
certain masses at St. PauCs, Ex Heylin Hist. Reform,
p. 74, et vol. ii. Fox. p. 661. ed. 1641.
A FTER hearty commendations, having very credible
to notice that within that your cathedral church there
be as yet the apostles' mass and our lady's mass, and
other masses of such peculiar names under the defence
and commination of our lady's communion, and the
apostles' communion, used in private chapels, and other
15 remote places of the same, and not in the chancel, con-
trary to the king's majesty's proceedings, the same being
for the misuse displeasing to God, for the place Paul's
in example not tolerable, for the fondness of the name
a scorn to the reverence of the communion of the Lord's
»o body and blood ; we for the augmentation of God's ho-
nour and glory, and the consonance of his majesty's laws,
and the avoiding of murmur, have thought good to will
and conmmnd you, that from henceforth no such masses
in this manner be in your church any longer used, but
«5 The council*s letter^ Burnet, H. R. v. 2. p. 21 1.
VOL. I. F
66 Injfjmctiom given by Edward VI. [XVII.
that the holy blessed communion, according to the act
of parliament, be ministered at the high altar of the
church, and in no other places of the same, and only at
such time, as your high masses were wont to be used;
except some number of people desire (for their necessary 5
business) to have a communion in the morning, and yet
the same to be executed at the chancel at the high
altar, as it is appointed in the book of the public service,
without cautele or digression from the common order;
and herein you shall not only satisfy our expectation of "o
your conformity in all lawful things, but also avoid the
murmur of sundry, that be therewith justly offended, and
so we bid your lordship heartily fiarewell.
From Richmond, the 24th of June, 1549-
Your loving friends, «5
E. Somerset, R. Rich, Chanc.
W. Saint John, Fr. Shrewsbury,
E. Montague, W. Cecil.
XVII.
Papte Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christ! R«g. Angfin
Paul. III. 15. Tho. Crakmer. 1 7. i549* Edward. VI. 3.
Another letter directed by the king and his council to
Bonner^ bishop of London, partly rebuking him of
negligence, partly charging him to see to the better set-
ting out of the service book within his diocese. Ex
vol. ii. Fox. p. 663.
"D IGHT reverend fether in God, right trusty and well
beloved, we greet you well ; and whereas after great w
Another letter] Compare Strype's Cranm. vol. i. pp. 276 and 292.
^549-] Injunctions given hy Edward VL 67
and serious debating and long conference of the bishops
and other grave and well learned men in the holy scrip-
ture, one uniform order for common prayers and admini-
stration of the sacraments hath been, and is most godly
5 set forth, not only by the common agreement and full
assent of the nobility and commons of the late session
of our late parliament, but also by the like assent of the
bishops in the said parliament, and of all other the
learned men of this our realm in their sjTiods and convo-
lo cations provincial, like as it was much to our comfort to
understand the godly travail then diligently and willingly
taken for the true opening of things mentioned in the
said book, whereby the true service and honour of
Almighty God and the right ministration of the sacra-
15 ments being well and sincerely set forth, according to
the scriptures and use of the primitive church, much
idolatry, vain superstition, and great and slanderous
abuses be taken away: so it is no small occasion of
sorrow unto us to understand by the complaints of
2omany, that our said book so much travelled for, and
also sincerely set forth (as is aforesaid) remaineth in
many places of this our realm either not known at all,
or not used, or at the least, if it be used, very seldom,
and that in such light and irreverent sort, as the ])eople
25 in many places either have heard nothing, or if they
hear, they neither understand, nor have that spiritual
delectation in the same, that to good Christians apper-
taineth : the fault thereof like as we must of reason
impute to you, and other of your vocation called by God,
30 through our appointment, to due respect to this and such
like matters, so considering that by these and such like
occasions, our loving subjects remain yet still in their
blindness and superstitious errors, and in some places in
as irreligious forgetfulness of God, whereby his wrath
35 may be provoked upon us and them, and remembering
withal, that amongst other cures committed to our
F 2
68 Infunctians given by Edward VI. [XVII.
princely charge, we think this the greatest, to see the
glory and true service of him maintained and extolled,
by whose clemency we knowledge ourselves to have all
that we have, we could not but by advice and consent
of our dearest uncle Edward duke of Somerset, governor 5
of our person, and protector of our realms, dominions,
and subjects, and the rest of our privy council, admonish
you of the premisses. Wherein, as it hath been your
office to have used an earnest diligence, and to have
preferred the same in all places, within your diocese, as i©
the case required, so have we thought good to pray and
require you and netherless straitly to charge and com-
mand you, that from henceforth ye have an earnest and
special regard to the reduce of these things, so as the
curates may do their duties more often and in more 15
reverend sort, and the people be occasioned by the good
advices and examples of yourself, your chancellors, arch-
deacons, and other inferior ministers, to come with
oftener and more devotion to their said common prayers,
to give thanks to God, and to be partakers of the most «©
holy communion; wherein shewing yourselves diligent
and giving good example in your own person you shall
both discharge your duty to the great pastor, to whom
we all have to account, and also do us good service;
and on the other side, if we shall hereafter (these our«s
letters and commandment notwithstanding) hear eft^soons
complaint, and find the like fault in your diocese, we
shall have just cause to impute the fault thereof, and of
all that ensueth thereof, unto you, and consequently be
occasioned thereby to see otherwise to the redress of 30
these things, whereof we would be sorry ; and therefore
we do eftnoons charge and command you, upon your
allegiance to look well upon your duty herein, as ye
tender our pleasure. Given under our signet at our
manor of Richmond, the S8rd day of July, the third 35
year of our reign^ 1549.
'5490 Injunctwm given by Edward VI. 69
XVIII.
PkpcB Rom. Archiepisc Cant. Anno Chrisd Reg. Anglias
Paul. III. 15. Tho. Cranmer. 17. i549> Edward. VI. 3.
Commissio regia ThonuB archiepiscopo Canttmriend et
aliis ad esaminandum materiam verstcs Edinundum
episcopum London. Ex Rot. Pat. 8 Ed. VI. p. 11. m.
8. dor. apud Rymer feeder, vol. v. p. 191.
"C^DWARD the syxte, &c. To the most reverend
father in God Thomas archbishop of Canterbury,
metropolitan and primate of all England, the right
reverend father in God, Nicholas bishop of Rochester,
5 Commissio regia] ** The great intent of this commission was to
examine him [Bp. Bonner] concerning a sermon which was appointed
him by the council to preach touching the king's authority in his
tender age to administer the government and make laws. In which
the bishop prevaricated, not speaking home to that necessary point to
lo the satis£Eu;tion of the people, but nmning out upon the subject of the
real presence. Concerning which, when the commissioners could not
bring him to confess whether in that sermon he omitted that article
or no, shifting it off by his uncertain speeches, other articles were
drawn up for him to answer to by oath." Strype, Smithy p. 38.
15 Similar instructions as to preaching had been given in June, 1548, to
Bp. Gardiner by the protector Somerset in the foUowing words : " Our
express pleasure and commandment, on our sovereign lord the king's
majesty's behalf, charging you by the authority of the same, to abstain
in foresaid sermon, from treating of any matter in controversy con*
to ceming the said sacrament and the mass ; and only to bestow your
speech in the expert explication of the articles prescribed unto you, and
in other wholesome matters of obedience of the people and good con-
versation and living ; the same matters being both large enough for a
long sermon, and not unnecessary for the time; and the treaty of
35 other^ which we forbid you, not meet in your private sermon to be had,
but necessarily reserved for a public consultation, and at this present
utterly to be forborne for the common quiet." Burnet, H. R. v. ii.
p. 143. and P. 2. p. 219. Wilkins's Cone. v. iv. p. 28. Comp. Collier,
V. ii. p, 278.
f3
70 Injtmctians given by Edward VI. [XVIII-
our trusty and right well beloved councellours, syr
William Petres, and syr Thomas Smyth, knights, our
two principal secretaries, and William May doctor of
the law civil and dean of Paules gretynge. Yt ys come
to our knowledge, that where we by the advyse of our 5
most enterly belovyd uncle, Edward duke of Somerset,
govemour of our person, and protectour of all our
realmes, dominions and subjects, and the rest of our
privy counsell, did give to the right reverend father in
Grod Edmunde Busshoppe of London, uppon certeyn '«
complaints before made unto us, and other great con-
siderations, certeyn injunctioas to be followed, don and
executed, and in sermon appoynted unto hym to preache
by us, certeyn articles, and for more suer knowledge
kepyng and observynge dyd exhibite the same in writ- '5
ynge unto hym by the handes of our seid uncle, in the
full syttynge of our counsell ; all this notwithstanding
the said busshoppe hathe, in contempte of us, as yt may
appere, overslipped and not observyd certeyn of the seid
things so by us enjoyned, and other so perversly and ^o
negligently done, that the things of us mynded to re-
formation, and for a good quyet of our subjects, and hole
realme be converted, by the wilful negligence or per-
versite of hym, to a great occasion of slaundor, tumult
and grudge amongs our people, as it hath ben denounced ^5
to us in wrytynge by certeyn honeste and discrete per-
sones, and otherwise declaryd. The which things, if they
be so, we, tenderynge the wealthe, quyetnes, good order
and government of our people, have not thought con-
venyent to be let passed unpunyshed or unreformed. 30
And therefore, by th'advise aforeseid have appointed
yowe fyve, foure or thre, upon whose fidelities, wysdoms,
dexterities and circumspections we have full confidence,
to call before you, as well the denouncers of the said
faulte, as also the seid busshoppe, and with due exami-as
nations and proces according to lawe and justice, to here
'549'] Injunctions ffiven iy Edtoard VL 71
the seid matter, and all other matters of what kynd,
nature or condition soever they shall be, that shall be
objected against the seid busshoppe sumarely and de
piano, or otherwyse as to your discretions shall be
5 thought most mete. With full power and auctorite to
suspende, excommunicate, commit to prison, or deprjrve
the seid busshoppe, if the offence shall so appere to
meryte, or to use any other censure ecclesiasticall, which
for the better herynge and determynynge of the cause,
lo shall be requisite and apperteyne ; any law, statute, or
act to the contrary notwithstanding. In witness where-
of, &c.
Witness the kyng at Westminster the eighth day of
Septembre.
XIX.
Pap« Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anuo Christi Reg. Angli»
Paul. III. 15. Tho. Cran mer. 1 7. i549* Edward. VI. 3.
Alia commissio regia TJumuB archiepiscopo Cantuariensi
et aliis ad ejcaminandum maieriam contemptus episcopi
London. Ibidem.
■5 TC^DWARDE the syxte, &c. To the most reverend
father in God Thomas archbishope of Canterbury,
metropolitan and prymate of all England, the ryght
reverend father in God Nicholas Bysshope of Rochester,
our trusty and right beloved counsellours, Syr William
20 Petres and Syr Thomas Smythe, Knyghts, our two prin-
cipal 1 secretaries, and William May doctor of the law
AUa commisgio] This warrant gave the commissioners the further
power of administering the oath ** ex officio mero," the nature of which
may he learnt from the discussions respecting it in the reign of queen
as Elizabeth. See Strype*s Whitgift, v. ii. p. 28-32. v. iii. p. 232.
Bom. Eocl. Law. v. iii. p. 4. and No. CXLVI.
F 4
72 In/imctions given by Edward VL [XIX.
civill and deane of Powles gretynge. Where we of late
by th*advise of our most entierly beloved uncle, Edward
duke of Somerset, govemour of our person, and pro-
tectour of all our realmes, dominions, and subjects, and
the rest of our privy counsell, have addressed unto yowe 5
fyve, foure, or thre of yowe, our lettres patents of com-
mission, beryng date at Westm. the eighth daye of Sep-
tembre in the third yeare of our reigne, willing yowe, by
force thereof, to here the matters and causes of contempt
therein expressed, callyng before you as wel the de- lo
nouncers thereof, as also the right revei*end &ther in
God Edmonde busshope of London, agaynste whom such
denunciation ys made, as in our seid lettres of com-
mission more at large doth appere. We be now credibly
informed, that upon the seid commission divers doubts »5
and ambiguities have and may arise; as whether yowe
by the tenour of the commission may precede not only
at the denunciation, but also mere office? And also
whether ye may as well determyne as here the said
cause ? For further declaration whereof we do now in- *o
terprete and declare, that our full mynd and pleasure, by
the advyse aforesaid, was by our seid commission, and
now ys, that you should precede as wel by mere office,
as also by way of denunciation, and by eyther of them,
or by any other wayes or meanes at your discretions^ as
whereby the truth and merits of the cause may be most
spedely and best knowen, and that ye myght and inay
as well finally determine as here the seid matters in all
your orders and doyngs, cuttyng awaye all vajme and
superstitious delayes, and havynge respect to the only 30
truth of the matter, and this our declaration we send
unto yowe of our suer knowledge and mere motion, by
the advyse aforeseid, supplyeng all default, ceremony,
and poinct of the lawe, which shall or may aryse in your
doyngs, by reason of any default of wordes in our seid 35
former commission or any part thereof; any lawe, statute
1549-1 Infunetions given by Edward VI, 7S
or acte to the contrary notwithstanding. And therefore
we wyll and commaunde yowe to precede in the seid
matters accordyng, as well to our foreseid commission,
as this our declaration; and so fayle ye not. In wit-
5 ness, &c.
Witnesse the kynge at Hampton Court the seven-
teenth day of Septembre.
XX.
Pap« Rom. Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Angliae
Julius III. i. Tho. Cranher. i8. '549* Edward. VI. 4.
The king's order for bringing in popish rituals. Ex reg.
Cranmer, fol. 25. b.
** nnnOMAS permlssione divina Cantuariensis archi-
episcopus, totius Angliae primas et metropolitanus,
lo per illustrissimum et invictissimum in Christo principem
et dominum nostrum dominum Edwardum sextum Dei
gratia Angliae, Franciae, et Hibemiae regem, &;c. ad infra
scripta suflScienter et legitime fulcitus, dilecto filio archi-
diacono nostro Cantuariensi seu ejus ofiiciali, salutem,
i5gratiam et benedictionem. Literas missivas dicti me-
tuendissimi domini nostri regis signatas, et nominibus
honorabilium virorum dominorum consiliariorum suorum
in calce earundem subscriptas, signeto suo obsignatas,
nobis inscriptas et datas nuper cum honore et reverentia
2odebitis accepimus, tenorem subsequentem complecten-
tes.** — By the kinge. Right reverende father in Godde,
The king's order] This order in council was afterwards confirmed
and extended by an act of parliament ; and great destruction followed in
public libraries imder the agency of ignorant and fanatical men ; as is
25 indignantly described by Wood. Ann. v. ii. p. 106. Comp. Collier,
V. ii. p. 307. >
74 Inftmctians ffiven by Edward FA [XX.
right trusty and wellbeloved, we grete you well. And
whereas the boke entitled " the boke of commene
prayers and administration of the sacramentes and other
rightes and ceremonies of the churche after the use of
the churche of Englande," was agreed upon and sets
forthe by acte of parliamente, and by the same acta
commaunded to be used of all personnes wythyn this our
realme ; yet neverthelesse we are informed, that dyvers
unquyette and evill disposed persons sithence the appre-
hension of the duke of Sommersett, have noysed and lo
bruted abrode, that they sholde have agayne theire olde
Lattenne service, their conjured bredde and water, with
suche lyke vayne and superstitiouse ceremonies, as
thoughe the settinge forthe of the saide boke had bene
th' onlie acte of the saide duke ; we therefore by the »s
advice of the bodie and state of our privey counsaile,
not onely consideringe the saide boke to be our acte,
and the acte of the state of th' whole state of ouie
realme assembled togither in parliament, but also the
same to be grounded upon holie scripture, agreable to^o
th'ordre of the primitive churche, and moch to the reedi-
fying of our subjectes, to put away all soch vayne ex-
pectation of havynge the publicke service, th' admini-
stration of the sacramentes, and other rightes and cere-
monies agayne in the Lattenne tongue, whiche were but as
a preferrement of ignorance to knowledge, and darknesse
to light, and a preparation to bring in papistrie and
superstition agayne, have thought goode, by the advice
aforesaid, to requiere and neverthelesse straightly to
comaunde and charge you, that immediately upon the^o
receipt herof, you do commaunde the deane and pre-
bendaries of the cathedrall churche, the parsonne, vicar,
or curatte and churche wardens of everie parishe, within
youre diocesse, to bringe and delyver unto youe or youre
deputie, eny of theme for there churche and parishe at is
soche convenient place, as you shal appoynt, all anti-
1549'] Instructiom giom by Edward VI. 75
phoners, missales, grayles, processionalles, manuelles, le-
gendes, pies, portasies, jomalles, and ordinalles after the
use of Sanim, Lincoln, Yorke, or any other private 'use,
and all other bokes of service, the keping wherof shold
5 be a let to the usage of the said boke of commenne
prayers, and that you take the same bokes into your
handes, or into the handes of your deputie, and them so
deface and abolyshe that they never after may serve
eyther to anie soche use, as they were provided for, or
lo be at any time a lett to that godly and uniforme ordre,
which by a common consente is now set forthe : and if
you shall finde any persones stubbome or disobedient in
not bringinge in the said bokes, according to the tenour
of thies our letters, that then ye committe the said per-
15 sone to warde, unto soche tyme, as you have certified us
of his misbehaviour; and we will and commaund you
that youe also searche or cause searche to be made from
tyme to tyme, whether any boke be withdrawne or hidde
contrarie to the teanor of these our letters, and the same
20 boke to receyve into your handes, and to use as in these
our letters we have appointed. And furthermore whereas
it is comme to oure knowledge that dyvers frowarde and
obstinate persons do refuse to pay towardes the fyndinge
of bredde and wyne for the holy communion, according
^l to the ordre prescribed by the saide boke, by reasone
wherof the holie communion ys manny tymes omitted
upon the Sonday ; these are to will and commaunde you
to convent such obstinate persons before you, and theme
to admonyshe and commaunde to kepe th'ordre pre-
30 scribed in the saide boke ; and if any shal refuse so to do,
to ponyshe them by suspension, excommunication or
other censures of the churchc. Fayle you not thus to
do as youe will avoyde our displeasure. Geven under
oure signet at oure palace of Westmynster the 25th of
35 December the 3d yeare of our reigne. By the kynge.
Inscriptio haec est. To the most reverend father in
Godde our right tnistie and well beloved counsaylor, th'
76 Injtmctions giwn by Edward VI. [XX.
archebusshoppe of Canterburie. In calce haec nomina
habentur, Thomas Cantuarien. R. Ryche, cane. Win,
Seirit John, J. Russell, H. Dorsett, W. Northampton.
Nos vero affectantes ex animo domini nostri regis Uteris
et mandatis obtemperare, volentesque pro nostro ergas
regiam celsitudinem officio in demandatis negotiis om-
nem nostram curam et solertem adhibere diligentiam,
vobis pro parte suse majestatis districte praecipiendo
mandamus harum serie, quatenus receptis praesentibus,
cum omni qua poteritis celeritate et diligentia maturis, xo
dilectos filios nostros decanum, canonicos, et praebenda-
rios ecclesiae Christi Cantuarien. nee non rectores, vica^
rios, curates, plebanos, ac syndieos et iconicos * quarum-
eunque ecclesiarum parochialium nostrae dioeeeseos Can-
tuarien. moneatis, hortemini, et pra&cipiendo mandetis, 15
quatenus ipsi et eorum quilibet vel singuli, omnes et sin-
gulos libros in eisdem literis regiis specifiee nominatos,
nobis aut nostro in hac parte commissario vel deputato
infra palatium nostrum Cantuarien. infra novem dies
monitionem et intimationem vestras eis fiendas proxime «o
sequentes, realiter afferant, adducant et penes nos vel
nostrum deputatum hujuscemodi relinquant, et deponant^
caeteraque omnia et singula in dictis literis descripta
perimpleant, exequantur, et sedulo fieri curent, quatenus
eos et eorum quemlibet contingunt vel concemunti ^5
sicque vos et vestrum alter sedulo exequatur, sincere
perimpleat et diligenter obediat, quae ad vestram in hac
parte funetionem pro congrua executione literarum pra&-
dictarum dignoscuntur pertinere, omnibus mora, dila-
tione, conniyentia et fuco penitus remotis, prout eidemio
domino nostro regi sub vestro incumbentes perienlo ob-
temperare et respondere velitis, et vult vestrum alter.
Et quid in hac parte feceritis, et exequi curaveritis, id
totum et omne nobis quam citissime significatum iri noB
postponatis. Dat. in manerio nostro de Lambithe de-95
» Forte Geconomos.
^55^-1 Injunctums given by Edward VI, 77
cimo quarto die mensis Februarii, anno Domini 1549. et
regni dicti invictissiini in Christo principis et domini
nostri Edwardi sexti quarto, et nostrse consecrationis
decimo septirao."
XXI.
Pape Ronu Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Anglis
Julius III. i. Tho. Cbanmer. i8. 1550. Edward. VI. 4.
Articles to be enquired of in the visitation of die diocese
of London by the reverend father in God^ Nicholas
bishop of London^ in the fourth year of our sovereign
lord king Edward the siwth^ by the grace of God king
of England^ France and Irelaiid^ defender of the faiths
and in earth of the church of England and also of
Ireland^ the supreme heady nea^t and immediately under
our Saviour Christ.
I charge thes therefore before God^ and the Lord Jesus Christy who
skaU judge the quick and dead at his appearing in his kingdom ;
preach the toord^ he instant in season^ out of season ; reprove^
rebuke^ exhort with all long suffering and doctrine, St. Paul,
2 Tim. iv. 1, 2.
5 'l^THETHER your curates and ministers be of that
conversation of living, that worthily they can be
reprehended of no man ?
Articles to be enquired of] *' There was nothing else done of mo-
ment this year [1550] in relation to the church, save the visitation
10 made of the diocese of London by Ridley, their new bishop. But the
exact time of it is not set down in the Register. It was, according to
King Edward's Journal, some time before the 28th of June ; for he
writes that on that day Sir John Yates, the high-sheriff of E^ex, was
sent down with letters to see the bishop of London's injunctions per-
15 formed, which touched the plucking down of superaltaries, altars, and
such like ceremonies and abuses : so that the visitation must have
been about the beginning of June." Burnet H. R. v. ii. p. 325.
P. ii. p. 24. Comp. Strype Mem. v. ii. P. i. p. 3^5. Collier, v. ii.
P- 304-
[
78 Injunctions given by Edward VI. [XXL
Whether your curates and ministers do haunt and
resort to taverns or alehouses, otherwise than for their
honest necessity, there to drink and riot, or to play at
unlawful games?
Whether your ministers be common brawlers, sowers 5
of discord rather than charity among their parishioners,
hawkers, hunters, or spending their time idly, or coming
to their benefice by simony ?
Whether your ministers or any other persons have
committed adultery, fornication, incest, bawdry, or to be i©
vehemently suspected of the same, common drunkards,
scolds, or be common swearers and blasphemers of Grod's
holy name ?
Whether your parsons and vicars do maintain their
houses and chancels in sufficient reparation; or if their 15
houses be in decay, whether they bestow yearly the fifth
part of the fruits of the benefice, until the same be
repaired ?
Whether your parsons and vicars, absent from their
benefice, do leave their cure to an able minister; and if 20
he may dispend yearly xx/. or above in this deanery, or
elsewhere, whether he doth distribute every year among
his poor parishioners there at the least, the fortieth part
of the fhiits of the same. And likewise yearly spending
c/. whether he doth find one scholar at either of the«5
universities, or some grammar school, and so for eveiy
other hundred pound one scholar ?
Whether every dean, archdeacon, and prebendary,
being priest, doth personally by himself preach twice
every year at the least, either where he is entitled, or 3©
where he hath jurisdiction, or in some place united or
appropriate to the same ?
Whether your minister having license thereunto, doth
use to preach ; or not licensed, doth diligently procure
other to preach that are licensed: or whether he re-«^^
fuseth those offering themselves, that are licensed; or
^SS^'l Injwnctiom given by Edtoard VL 79
absenteth himself, or canseth other to be away from the
sermon, or else admitteth any to preach that are not
licensed?
Whether any by preaching, writing, word or deed
5 hath or doth maintain the usurped power of the bishop
of Rome ?
Whether any be a letter of the word of God to be
preached or read in th^ English tongue ?
Whether any do preach, declare, or speak with any
lo thing in derogation of the Book of Common Prayer, or
any thing therein contained, or any part thereof ?
Whether any do preach and defend, that private per-
sons may make insurrection, stir sedition, or compel men
to give them their goods ?
15 Whether the curate doth admit any to the communion
before he be confirmed, or any that ken not the " Pater
noster," the Articles of the &ith, and Ten Command-
ments in English ?
Whether curates do minister the commimion for
10 money, or use to have trentals of communions ?
Whether any of the Anabaptists sect, or other, use
notoriously any unlawful or private conventicles, wherein
they do use doctrine or administration of sacraments,
separating themselves from the rest of the parish ?
«5 Whether there be any that privately in their private
house have their masses contrary to the form and order
of the book of communion ?
Whether any minister doth refuse to use the common
prayers, or minister sacraments in that order and form
30 as is set forth in the book of common prayer ?
Whether baptism be ministered (out of necessity) in
any other time than on the Sunday or holy-day, or in
another tongue than English ?
Whether any speaketh against baptism of infants ?
35 Whether any be married within degrees prohibited by
God's law, or separate without cause lavirful, or is mar^
80 Injunctions given by Edward VI. [XXI.
ried without banns thrice first asked three several holy-
days or Sundays openly in the church at service time ?
Whether any curate doth marry them of other pa-
rishes without their curate's license and certificate from
him of the banns thrice solemnly asked ? 5
Whether any saith that the wickedness of the minister
taketh away the effect of Christ's sacraments ?
Whether any saith that christian men cannot be al-
lowed to repentance, if they sin voluntary after baptism ?
Whether your curates be ready to minister the sacra- »<>
ments, visit the sick, and bury the dead, being brought
to the church ?
Whether any minister useth wilfally and obstinately
any other rite, ceremony, order, form, or manner of
communion, mattens, or evensong, ministration of sa- '5
craments, or open prayers, than is set forth in the Book
of Common Prayer ?
Whether your curate, once in six weeks at the least,
upon some Sunday or holy-day before even song, do
openly in the church instruct and examine children not lo
confirmed in some part of the catechism, and whether
parents and masters do send them thither upon warning
given by the minister?
Whether any useth to keep abrogate holy-days or
private holy-days, as bakers, shoemakers, brewers, smiths, n
and such other ?
Whether any useth to hallow water, bread, salt, bells^
or candles upon Candlemas-day, ashes on Ash- Wednesday,
palms on Palm-Sunday, the font on Easter-even, fire on
paschal, or whether there was any sepulchre on good- 30
friday ?
Whether the water in the font be changed every
month once, and then any other prayers said than is in
the Book of Common Prayer appointed ?
Whether there be any images in your church, taber- 35
nacles, shrines, or covering of shrines, candles, or trindles
^55^*] ^* Bidky's Visitation Injunctions. 81
of wax, or feigned miracles in your churches or private
houses ?
Whether your church be kept in due and lawful
reparation, and whether there be a comely pulpit set up
5 in the same, and likewise a coffer for alms for the poor,
- called the poor men's box or chest ?
Whether any legacies given to the poor, amending
high ways, or marrymg poor maids, be undistributed,
and by whom ?
Injunctions given in the visitation of the reverend father
in God Nicholas bishop of London^ for an uniformity
in his diocese of London^ in the fourth year of our
sovereign lord King Edward the SiMh^ by the grace of
Godj King of England^ Sfc. — London, Anno Dom.
1550. «r
lo 1. That there be no reading of such injunctions as
extolleth and setteth forth the popish mass, candles,
images, chantries; neither that there be used any
superaltaries, or trentals of communions.
Item, That no minister do counterfeit the popish mass
■5 m kissing the Lord's board ; washing his hands or fingers
after the Gospel or the receipt of the holy communion ;
shifting the book from one place to another; laying
down and licking the chalice after the communion;
1)Ies8ing his eyes with the sudary thereof, or patten, or
2o crossing his head with the same; holding his forefingers
and thumbs joined together toward the temples of his
head, aft;er the receiving of the sacrament; breathing
on the bread or chalice ; saying the Agnus before the
communion; shewing the sacrament openly before the
'5 distribution, or making any elevation thereof; ringing
of the sacrying bell, or setting any light upon the Lord's
8 Regist. Ridley, fol. 305. Burnet. H. R. vol. ii. P. a. p. 292.
VOL. I. G
82 Injimctums given by Bp. Eidhjf [XXI.
board. And finally, that the minister, in time of the
holy communion, do use only the ceremonies and ges-
tures appointed by the Book of Common Prayer, and
none other, so that there do not appear in them any
counterfeiting of the popish mass. s
Item, That none be admitted to receive the holy
commimion but such as will, upon request of the curate,
be ready with meekness and reverence to confess the
articles of the Creed.
Item, That none make a mart of the holy commu- ic
nion by buying and selling the receipt thereof for money,
as the popish mass in times past was wont to be.
Item, Whereas in divers places some use the Lord's
board after the form of a table, and some as an altar,
whereby dissention is perceived to arise among the un- 15
learned ; therefore wishing a godly unity to be observed
in all our diocese ; and for that the form of a table may
more move and turn the simple from the old superstitious
opinions of the popish mass, and to the right use of the
Lord's supper, **we exhort the curates, churchwardens «»
^ we exhort the curates, churchwardens] " The injunction only ex-
horts the curates to do it, which Ridley could not have done in such
soft words, after the council had required and commanded him to do
it : so it appears that the injunctions were g^ven only hy his episcopal
power. And that afterwards, the same matter being brought before ^5
the council, who were informed that in many places there had been
contests about it, some being for keeping to their old custom, and
others being set on a change, the council thought fit to send their
letter concerning it to Ridley on the 24th of November following.
(See No. XXIV.) The letter sets out that altars were taken away 30
in divers places upon good and godly considerations, but still con-
tinued in other places ; by which there rose much contention among
the king's subjects : therefore for avoiding that, they did charge and
command him to give substantial order through all his diocese for
removing all altars, and setting up tables every where, for the com- 35
munion to be administered in some convenient part of the chancd ;
and that these orders might be the better received, there were reasons
sent with the letters .... Upon these reasons therefore was this change
'55^0 •» tke wsitatian of his diocese. 83
and questmen here present to erect and set up the
Lord's board after the form of an honest table decently
covered in such place of the quire or chancel as shall be
thought most meet by their discretion and agreement,
5 so that the ministers with the communicants may have
their place separated from the rest of the people; and
to take down and abolish all other by-altars or tables.
Item, That the minister in the time of the commu-
nion immediately after the offertory shall monish the
lo communicants, saying these words or such like, " Now
is the time, if it please you, to remember the poor men's
chest with yoiu* charitable alms."
Item, That the Homilies be read orderly, without
omission of any part thereof.
»5 Item, That the Common Prayer be had in every
church upon Wednesdays and Fridays, according to the
king's grace's ordinance : and that all such as conve-
niently may, shall diligently resort to the same.
Item, That every curate be diligent to teach the
^ Catechism whensoever just occasion is offered, upon the
Sunday or holy-day, and at least every six weeks once
shall call upon his parishioners, and present himself ready
to instruct and examine the youth of the same parish,
according to the book of service touching the same.
*5 Item, That none maintain purgatory, invocation of
saints, the six articles, bedrowls, images, relics, rubric
primers, with invocation of saints, justification of man by
his own works, holy bread, palms, ashes, candles, sepul-
chre paschal, creeping to the cross, hallowing of the fire
y> or altar, or any other such-like abuses, and superstitions,
m
ordered to be made all over England, which was universally executed
tiiis year." Burnet H. R. vol. ii. p. 328. Comp. Collier, vol. ii. p. 304.
Bidley framed his injunction, doubtless, on the authority given to
bbhops in the Preface to the Book of Common Prayer, " to take order
55 for the quieting and appeasing of all doubts" connected with the use
of that book.
o 2
84 The eoimcirs letter to the Bp, of London [XXII.
now taken away by the king's grace's most godly
proceedings.
Item, That all ministers do move the people to often
and worthy receiving of the holy communion.
Item, That every minister do move his parishioners s
to come diligently to the church ; and when they come,
not to talk or walk in the sermon, communion or divine
service time, but rather at the same to behave them-
selves reverently, godly and devoutly in the church ; and
that they also monish the churchwardens to be diligent lo
overseers in that behalf.
Item, That the churchwardens do not permit any
buying, selling, gaming, outragious noise or tumult, or
any other idle occupying of youth in the church, church-
porch, or churchyard, during the time of common prayer, 15
sermon, or reading of the homily.
Item, That no persons use to minister the sacraments,
or in open audience of the congregation presume to ex-
pound the holy scriptures, or to preach, before they be
first lawfully called and authorized in that behalf. 20
God save the king.
XXII.
Papae Rom. Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Anglias
JuLii III. 1. Tho. Crakmer. 18. 1550. Edwaad. VI. 4.
The councils letter to the bishop 0/ London against weekly
lectures^ with the bishop of London's letter /or the
execution of it to the archdea^(m of Colchester. — Ex
reg. Bonner, fol. 281.
A FTER oure righte hartie commendations unto your
lordshipp ; beinge advertised from the lorde chaun-
The counciTs letter] " Beside theae aectaries, there was infonnatioii
sent to the court in June this year of another sort in ESssex, but they, »s
^SS^'l againgt ijoeekly lectures. 85
tsellor, that dyverse preachers within your dioces in the
countie of Essex, doo preache, as well the worke dayes
as tholie dayes, whereas some inconveniences may growe.
Thiinldnge not convenient that the preachers shulde have
5 liberty so to do, bycause at this present yt may increase
the peoples ydleness, who of themselves are so moche
disposed to yt, as all the ways that may be devised, are
litle ynoughe to drawe them to worke. We therefore
pray you to take order that they preache tholy dayes
to onelie, as they have been accustomed to doo. And the
worke dales to use those prayers, that are prescribed
unto them. Thus we bydde your good lordship mooste
hartelye farewell. From Grenewyche the 23d of June,
1550, your loving freindes, E. Somerset, W. North,
«5 E. Clynton, G. Cobham, W. Paget, W. Herbert, W.
Petre.
Aiwther.
A FTER hartie commendations. Whereas the kinge
majesties honourable counsaill ys certifyed by the
lord chauncellor, that dyverse preachers in Essex doo
^ouse to preache upon worke dayes, whereby the people
gyve themselves to moche ydleness, as by the tenor of
the letter from the saide honourable counsaill directed
to me herein enclosed, doothe playnelie appeare. Thees
are to will you, with convenyent expedition, not onely
25 as it eeems, more harmless ; namely, certain that came together on
other days besides Sundays and holy- days, to hear sermons, who had
preachers that then preached to them : and that, for all I perceive,
was all their fault; for I do not find any false doctrine or sedition
laid to their charge. The Lord Chancellor Rich, who was no favourer
50 of the Gospel, being, as it seems, at one of his houses in Essex, sent
word of this to the council, shewing the danger of this practice, aft
being likely to breed the common people up in a neglect of their
ordinary callings, and an indulg^g of themselves to idleness." Strype,.
Mem. vol. ii. P. i. p. 371. Comp. Burnet H. R. vol. ii. p. 329.
o3
86 King Edward^ 8 order to Bp, Gardener [XXIII.
to gyve wamynge to all curates Mdthin your archdea-
conry, that they suffer noo preachinge upon worke dayes
in theire churches, but also to sende for all and singular
preachers authorized within your saide archdeaconrye,
and to admonysshe them of the same ; chardginge them 5
in the kyngs highness name, that from henceforth they
doo not preache but onlye upon sondays and holy-dayes,
and none other dayes, excepte yt be at any buryall or
marrage. And thus fere you hartelie well. From
London this 25 day of June, 1550. Your loving 10
freinde,
NicoL. London.
To my lovinge freende the archdeacon of Colchester,
and in his absence, to his official there, geve thes
with speede. 15
XXIII.
Pap» Rom. Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Angliae
JuLii III. I. Tho. Cranmer. 18. 1550* Edward. VI. 4.
King Edward VI. order to buhop Gardener of Win-
chester^ about subscribing to certai^i articles sent to him
by the king, — Ex originali in sylloge epistol. Tito
Livio Foro-juliensi annex, edit. Heam. pag. 119.
TT is not, we think, unknown unto you, with what
clemency and favour, we by the advice of our coimcil
King Edward VI. order'] This order will be sufficiently explaiDed
by the following extracts from the Journal of King Eklward. (Burnet
H. R. vol. ii. P. 2. p. 25.) " July 9. The Earl of Warwick, the Lord «o
Treasurer, Sir WUliam Herbert, and the Secretary Petre, went to the
Bishop of Winchester, with certain articles signed by me and the
council, containing the confession of his fault, the supremacy, the
establishing of holy-days, the abolishing of six articles, and divers
other, whereof the copy is in the council chest ; whereunto he put 25
155^*] ahcfui iuiscrHinff to certain artides. 87
caused you to be heard, and used upon these sundry
complaints and infonnations, that were made to us and
our said council, of your disordered doing and words,
both at the time of our late visitation and otherwise;
5 which notwithstanding, considering, that the favour both
then and many other times ministered unto you, wrought
rather an insolent wilMness in yoUrself, than any obe-
dient conformity, such as would have beseemed a man
of your vocation, we could not but use some demon-
ic stration of justice towards you, as well for such notorious
and apparent contempts and other inobedience, as after
and contrary to our commandment were openly known
in you, as also for some example and terror of such
others, as by your example seemed to take courage to
15 mutter and grudge against our most godly proceedings :
whereof great disorder and inconvenience at that time
might have ensued. For the avoiding thereof, and
for your just deserving, you were by our said council
committed to ward, where, albeit we have suflfered you
20 to remain a long space, sending unto you in the mean
time at sundry times divers of the noblemen and others
of our privy council, and travailing by them with
clemency and favour to have reduced you to the know-
ledge of your duty; yet in all this time have you
25 neither acknowledged your faults, nor made any such
his hand, saving to the confession. July 10. Sir William Herbert and
Secretary Petre were sent unto him to tell him, I marvelled that he
would not put his hand to the confession. To which he made answer.
That he would not put his hand to the confession, for because he was
30 innocent, and also the confession was but the preface of articles.
July 1 1 . The Bishop of London, the Secretary Petre, Mr. Cecil, and
Goderick were commanded to make certain articles accorduig to the
laws, and to put in the submission. July 14. The Bishop of Win-
chester did deny the articles that the Bishop of London and the other
35 had made." The whole proceedings are given at length by Str3rpe,
Cranm. vol. i. pp. 315 — 323. Burnet H. R. vol. ii. pp. 309 — 313.
o 4
88 Subscription to certain articles, [XXIIL
submission, as might have beseemed you, nor yet shewed
any appearance either of repentance, or of any good
conformity to our godly proceedings. Wherewith, albeit
we have good cause to be ofiended, and might also
justly by the order of our laws cause your former do- 5
ings to be reformed and punished to the example of
others, yet for that we would both the world and your-
self also should know, that we delight more in clemency,
than in the strait administration of justice, we have
vouchsafed not only to address unto you these our »o
letters, but also to send eftsones unto you four of our
privy council with certain articles, which being by us
with the advice of our said council considered, we think
requisite for sundry considerations to be subscribed by
you, and therefore will and command you to subscribe »s
the said articles, upon pain of incurring such punish-
ments and penalties, as by our laws may be put upon
you for not doing the same. Given at our palace of
Westminster, the 8th day of July, the 4th year of our
reign. *®
E. Somerset, William Petre,
W. North, J. Warwick,
William Paget, G. Cobham,
W. Wiltshire, W. Herbert,
E. Clynton, Edward North, »5
A. Wyngfyeld, J. Bedford.
^55^-] ^^ eotmeWs order to Ude down altars. 89
XXIV.
Pap« Rom. Archiepiac Cant. Anno Christ! Reg. Angliae
JuLii. HI. I. Tho. CuANMEa. 19. 1550. Edward. VI. 4.
The councils order to bishop Ridley to take down altars,
and place communion tables in their stead. — Ex Heylin.
Hist. Ref. p. 96. et Fox. pr. edit. fol. 727.
13 IGHT reverend fkther in God, right trusty and well
beloved, we greet you well. Whereas it is come
to our knowledge, that being the altars within the more
part of the churches of the realm, upon good and godly
5 considerations are taken down, there doth yet remain
altars standing in divers other churches, by occasion
whereof much variance and contention ariseth amongst
simdry of our subjects, which, if good foresight were not
had, might perhaps engender great hurt and inconve-
10 nience ; we let you wit, that minding to have all oc-
casion of contention taken away, which many times
groweth by those and such like diversities, and consi-
dering that amongst other things belonging to our royal
oflSce and care, we do accoimt the greatest to be, to
15 maintain the common quiet of our realm ; we have
thought good by the advice of our council, to require
you and nevertheless especially to charge and command
you, for the avoiding of all matters of further contention
and strife, about the standing or taking away of the
ao said altars, to give substantial order throughout all your
diocese, that with all diligence all the altars in every
church or chapel, as well in places exempted as not
The councifs order] See No. XXI. The following entry appears
in King Edward's Journal: " November 19. There were letters sent
25 to every bishop to pluck down the altars." Burnet, vol. ii. P. 2.
p. 31-
90 The caunciTs order to take down aUars. [XXIV.
exempted, within your said diocese to be taken down,
and instead of them a table to be set up in some con-
venient part of the chancel, within every such church
or chapel, to serve for the ministration of the blessed
communion. And to the intent the same may be done 5
without the offence of such our loving subjects, as be
not yet so well persuaded in that behalf, as we could
wish ; we send unto you herewith certain considerations
gathered aiid collected, that make for the purpose, the
which as such others as you shall think meet to be set «>
forth to persuade the weak to embrace. Our proceed-
ings in this part we pray you cause to be declared to
the people, by some discreet preachers, in such places
as you shall think meet before the taking down of the
said altars, so as both the weak consciences of others 15
may be instructed and satisfied as much as may be, and
this our pleasure the more quietly executed. For the
better doing whereof, we require you to open the afore-
said considerations in that our cathedral church in your
own person, if you conveniently may, or otherwise hj^
your chancellor, or other grave preacher, both there
and in such other market towns and most notable places
of your diocese as you may think most requisite.
Given under our signet at our palace of Westmin-
ster the 24th day of November in the 4th year of our n
reign.
I550-] -^(^ obgtreandum librumpreeum communium. 91
XXV.
Pape Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Angiias
JuLii III. I. Tho. Cranmer. 19. 1550* Edward. VI. 4.
Conimissio regia ad obsei'vandum librum pi'ecum com^
munium Sfc. Ex reg. Cranmer. fol. 70. b. seq.
Tj^DWARDUS sextus Dei gratia Angliae, Franciae et
"^ Hibemiae rex, fidei defensor, ac in terra ecclesise
Anglicanae et Hibemicae supremum caput, reverendis-
simo in Christo patri Thomae Cantuariensi archiepiscopo,
5 totius Angliae primati et metropolitano ; ac reverendis in
Christo patribus Thomae Eliensi, Nicholao London. Hen-
rico Lincolnien. Thomae Norwicen. ac Johanni Roffen.
episcopis; — Nicholao Wotton decano Cantuar. uni con-
siliariorum nostrorum, nee non praedilectis et fidelibus
10 consiliariis nostris, Willelmo Peter militi, Willelmo Cecill
armigero, secretariis nostris primariis; dilectis nobis Ri-
cardo Coxe eleemosynario nostro, Anthonio Cooke militi,
Jacobo Hales militi, uni justiciariorum nostrorum ad
communia placita, Thomae Smythe militi, Johanni Cheke,
15 adolescentiae nostrae institutori, Willelmo May, decano
sancti P. L. Johanni Taylor decano Lincolnien. Simoni
Hanes, decano Exonien. Griffino Layson, decano de ar-
cubus London, doctoribus Ricardo Godericke, Johanni
Gosnolde, armigeris; — Richardo Wylkes, Johanni Red-
20 man, archidiacono de Tawnton, Hugoni Latimer, Egidio
Ayer, decano Cicestren, Matthae. Parker, sacrae theologiae
I)rofessori, Miloni Coverdale, Johanni Oliver, Ricardo
Lyell, Rolando Taylor, Christophero Nevinson, legum
doctoribus; — Henrico Sydall et Nicholao Bullingham
25 salutem. Etsi regibus quidem omnibus qui Christi no-
men profitentur, nihil aeque incumbat ac fidem christi-
Commissio regia] Strype, Mem. vol. ii. P* i* p* 385.
93 Cammissio regia ad observandum [XXV.
anam in suo populo, ac in ecclesiis suse auctoritati regies
subjectis, sartam, tectam atque incolumem servare ; nobis
tamen qui fidei defensor peculiari quodam titulo vocamur,
maximae prae caeteris curae esse debet, ut non solum pro
viribus annitamur, ut Christi religio quam purissime atque s
integerrime nostro populo tradatur, verum etiam ut omni
qua possumus ratione caveamus, ne Christi adversarius, ut
est semper ad omnia corrumpenda paratus, noxiimi haere-
seos semen, et labem malae doctrinae clanculum in segetem
christiani populi, et hoc arvum nobis commissum seminet ; lo
sed si quid forte emerserit tale (quod sper&mus Deum
aversurum) saltern ut quam primiun evellatur, ne latius
serpens illud virus etiam sanas et salubres partes eomim-
pat. Et quoniam nos ipsi non possumus ad omnia hujus-
cemodi in nostra persona obeunda et curanda semper esse 15
in otio et parati, et modo ad nos et consiliarios nostros
perlatum est, exoriri in nonnuUis nostri regni locis quos-
dam, qui resuscitant sceleratos Anabaptistarum et liberti-
norum errores, et qui aliarum haeresium impia et impura
dogmata serunt et instillant in aures rudis vulgi, et impe- 30
ritae plebis nostras mentes illis nefariis opinionibus infici-
unt, ut antequam illud venenum latius serpat, opportuniun
et necessarium remedium pro facultate nostra regia adhi-
beamus; de advisamento consilii nostri praedicti vos sele-
gimus, quibus banc nostram curam, et hoc tarn necessa- 2$
rium munus extirpandae et reprimendae haereseos commit-
teremus. Ad inquirendum igitur de omnibus articulis
haereseos cujuscunque, et examinandum omnes et singulos
subditos nostros, et alios quoscunque infra regnum et do-
minia nostra residentes et commorantes de et super haere- 30
sibus et erroribus quibuscunque, in fide Christiana suspec-
tos, detectos, denunciatos, inquisitos, et accusatos, aut in
posterum detegendos, denunciandos, inquirendos vel accu-
sandos, et quoscunque testes ubicimque locorum infra
regnum et dominia nostra commorantes vel degentes, 35
aliarumque probationum genera quascunque, pro veritate
^55^*1 lUrum precum communium. 93
praemissonim enidienda quomodolibet requisita, recipi-
enda^ et admittenda, testesque hujuscemodi in forma
jurandorum testium jurandos et examinandos, ac omnibus
aliis viis et modis et formis quibus melius et efficacius
5 poteritis, de veritate praemissonim etiam summarie et de
piano, ac sine strepitu et figura judicii cognoscendi inqui-
rendi, et investigandi ; et si per examinationem et inqui-
sitionem hujuscemodi aliquem vel aliquos alicujus haere-
seos seu impiae opinionis crimine contactum sen contactos,
lo involutum seu involutes esse deprehenderitis, ab erroribus
suis revocandos, eumque et eos, si errorum suorum per-
taesum vel pertaesos esse comperitis, ad errorum suorum
hujuscemodi retractationes, recantationes, abjurationes, et
renunciationes inducendos, et subsequenter in sacrosanctae
15 ecclesiae gremium admittendos et recipiendos, aliasve
prout juris nostri et aequitatis ratio persuaserit, absolven-
dos et dimittendos, pcenitentiasque salutares et condignas
pro conmiissis infligendas et imponendas; pertinacem
vero vel pertinaces, obstinatum aut obstinates, erroribus
9o suis desperate immersum vel immersos, si quem vel quos
deprehenderitis, ex coetu fidelium ejiciendum vel ejicien-
dos, ac seculari potestati nostrae, si ita facti atrocitas ex-
poscat, committendos, tradendos et liberandos; nee non
omnes et singulos rectores, vicarios, et clericos, et minis-
25 tros ecclesiasticos quoscunque ac laicos, cujuscunque con-
ditionis existant, librum nostrum vulgo appellatimi, " The
book of the common prayers and administration of the
sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies of the
church after the use of the church of England" aut di-
30 vina officia in eodem expressa et inserta, vel aliquam par-
tem eorundem contemnentes, spementes, adversantes, sive
obloquentes, si qui tales suspecti, reperti, detecti, inquisiti,
denunciati, aut accusati fuerint, juxta vim, formam, et
effectum statuti in ea parte editi et provisi, puniendos, et
35 corrigendos ; caeteraque omnia et singula facienda, exer-
cenda, et expedienda, quae circa dicta inquisitionis et ex-
94 Ad observandnm librum precum emnmnmimm. [XXV.
aminationis negotia necessaria fuerint, sen quomodolibet
opportuna, vobis triginta et nni, triginta, viginti novem,
viginti octo, viginti septem, viginti sex, viginti quinqne,
viginti quatuor, viginti tribus, viginti duobos, viginti uni,
viginti, novendecim, octodecim, septendecim, sexdecim, 5
quindecim, quatuordecim, tredecim, duodecim, undecim,
decern, 9> 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, aut tribus vestnim, quorum archi-
episcopum Cantuariensem, episcopum Eliensem, epis-
copum London, episcopum Lincoln, episcopum Norwicen.
episcopum Roffen. Nicholaum Wotton, Willelmum lo
Peter, Willelmum Cecill, Richardum Coxe, Jacobum
Hales, et Willelmum May unum esse volumus, et in ex-
ecutione praemissorum interesse : de quorum sana doc-
trina, fidei zelo, vitaeque et morum integritate, exactaque
in rebus gerendis dexteritate specialem in Domino fidu- 15
ciam obtinemus, vices nostras committimus, et plenam
tenore praesentium concedimus facultatem, cum potestate
plenissima personas sic detectas, denunciatas, inquisitas,
accusatas vel suspectas evocandas coram vobis, et careen
et vinculis, si opus fiierit, mancipandas, ac testes qnoscun- 20
que pro veritate praemissorum explicandos, et erudiendos
quomodolibet requisites, coram vobis, quibuscunque die-
bus et locis vestro arbitrio in hac parte limitandis, evo-
candos et citandos, eosdemque testes sese subtrahentes
omnibus modis et juris nostri remediis quibuscunque com- 15
pellendos cum omni alia jurisdictionis et auctoritatis nos-
tras legitima coertione in hac parte et potestate ; vosque
ad effectus praedictos cognitores, inquisi tores, judices, et
commissaries nostros deputamus, nominamus, facimus^
constituimus per praesentes omni appellatione remota; eo 30
non obstante, quod denunciatio, indicatio sive accusatio
contra personas praedictas hujuscemodi in hac parte non
processerit, sive aliquibus aliis statutis aut ordinationibus
in parliamentis nostris in contrarium editis sive provisis,
in quibus forsan major solennitas et circumstantia ad ha- 36
juscemodi exequenda negotia requiruntur, caeterisque in
155^*] P^^ reformcttiane legmn ecclesiasticarmn. ' 95
contrarium &cientibus non obstantibus quibuscunque :
mandantes omnibus et singulis theologis et jurisperitis^
nee non majoribus, vicecomitibus, ballivis, aliisque offici-
ariis, et ministris nostris quibuscunque, quatenus vobis in
5 et circa prsemissorum executionem effectualiter, si per
V08 requisiti et interpellati fuerint, assistant et suffra-
gentur. In cujus rei testimonium has literas nostras fieri
fecimus paten tes, teste me ipso apud Westm. 18. die
Januarii anno regni nostri quarto.
XXVI.
PapoB Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christ! R^. Aiigiiae
JuLii 111. 2. Tho. Cranmer. 2o. 1551* Edward. VI. 5.
Commissio regia pro reformatione leffiim ecclesiasticarum.
10 TjlDWARDUS sextus Dei gratia Angiiae, Franciae et
Hibemiae rex, fidei defensor, et in terra ecclesiae
Commissio regia] *' The revision of the ecclesiastical laws had been
projected as early as 1532. In the submission then made to king
Henry by the clergy, they declared, that whereas divers canons were
15 ' thought to be not only much prejudicial to his prerogative royal, but
also overmuch onerous to his highnesses subjects' they were content to
commit the judgment respecting them to thirty-two persons — * all to
be chosen and appointed by his most noble grace.' In conformity with
this concession, an Act of Parliament was passed in March 1534 (Stat.
20 35 Hen. Vni. c. 19.) empowering his majesty to nominate commis-
sioners, and enacting that the canons approved by these commissioners,
if fortified by the royal assent under the great seal, should be kept and
observed within the realm. This Act was renewed in 1536 (Stat. 27
Hen. Vni. c. 15.) and again in 1544 (Stat. 35 Hen. VIH. c. 16).
15 In the latter case it was so far carried into execution that commis-
sioners were appointed, a body of ecclesiastical law digested, and a letter
of ratification prepared for the king's signature. But this signature was
never affixed ; and the powers granted to the crown having been limited
to the life-time of Henry VIIL, a fresh Act was passed with the same
96 C(mimi89io reffia pro r^/(Mrmations [XXVI.
Anglicanae et Hibemicae supremum caput, reverendis*
simo in Christo patri, Thomae eadem gratia Cant, archi-
episcopo, totius Angliae primati, et metropolitano, reve-
rendoque in Christo patri Thomae Ellens! episcopo; ac
dilectis nobis in Christo Richardo Cox eleemosynario 5
nostro, Petro Martyr, sacrae theologiae professoribus,
Willielmo Maye, Rowlando Taylour de Hadley, legum
doctoribus; necnon dilectis et fidelibus nostris, Johanni
Lucas, et Richardo Gooderike, armigeris, salutem. Cum
vos triginta duos viros ad leges nostras ecclesiasticas per- >o
legendas et componendas juxta vim, formam et effectum
cujusdam acti parliamenti in tertio regni nostri anno apud
object in 1549. Commissioners are said to have been named shortly
afterwards in pursuance of its provisions ; but if this was the fact, they
seem to have made little progress in the business, for a new commission 15
was issued in Oct. 155 1, to eight bishops, eight divines, eight civilians,
and eight common lawyers ; of whom eight were selected to gather and
put in order the materials. • But the matter* says Stnrpe * was in ef-
fect wholly entrusted by the king to the archbishop, who associated to
himself in the active part of this work, Taylor, Martyr and Haddon.* 30
And this account is confirmed by the numerous corrections in the hand-
writing of Cranmer and Peter Martyr, which may still be seen in a MS.
copy of the projected code preserved in the British Museum." (Uarl.
MSS. 426.) Cranmer's Works by Jenkyns, vol. i. p. cviii. The present
commission is dated Nov. 11, 155 1 , and seems to have superseded that 35
of October, for the sole purpose of substituting the names of Goodrich,
bishop of Ely, William May, and Richard Groodrich, for those of Ridley,
Traheron and Gosnold. A reason may easily be found for the intro-
duction of the bishop of Ely into this commission, as it had recently
been determined, on the disgrace of lord Rich, to raise him to the 30
office of lord chancellor. The code was completed by these com-
missioners, but not early enough to obtain the force of law before the
death of king Edward. The attempts to revive it in the reign of Eliza-
beth were unsuccessful. It was published in 1 5 7 1 by John Daye, with
a Preface written by Fox. This account of the matter is derived prin- IS
cipally from Strype, and differs in many points from that of bishop
Burnet. See Strype, Mem. vol. ii. P. i. pp. 290. 530. P. ii. p. 205.
Cranm. 778. Parker, vol. ii. p. 63. Burnet, H. R. vol. ii. p. 404.
Collier, vol. ii. p. 336. Lingard, vol. iv. p. 462.
1551-1 Isgum eeclesiastirarum, 97
Westra. facti, brevi assignare et deputare proponimus; et
ubi numerus praedictus ad tractatum legum praedictarum
describendarum et componendarum, nimius videtur, tam-
etsi id turn propter consultationem et judicium super
5 eo habendum, turn etiam propter perfectionem et com-
plementum earundem longe expediens existit, nobis mo-
ventibus consiliariis nostris a secretis, consentaneum ma-
gis videtur, hujus rei initium, introitum, primam formam
et lineaturam numero octavo, qui doctorum triginta erit
»o portio, committere, nempe quasi praeparationem quandam
grandiori numero fiituram.
Quapropter de prudentia, scientia, et diligentia vestris
plurimum confidentes, de sententia concilii nominavimus
et deputavimus vos commissaries nostros, et vobis aucto-
<5 ritatem per praesentes impartimus, ut loco et tempore
congruis, et opportunis, celeritate conveniente, qua pote-
ritis maxima, insimul conveniatis, cursumque legum ec-
clesiasticarum, infra regnum nostrum in usu existentium,
aut antehac uti solitarum, diligenter perlegatis, conside-
loretis, et ponderetis; eoque facto, illarum loco et vice,
coUectionem, compilationem, et ordinem talium legum
ecclesiasticarum inveniatis, faciatis, et in scripta redigi
faciatis, quales in usu esse, practicari, et in quibuscunque
curiis, et jurisdictionibus nostris ecclesiasticis infra istud
'5 regnum nostrum, et alia nostra dominia proponi et pub-
lican, de scientia, sapieutia, et judicio vestris maxime
expediens fore putaveritis : habentes considerationem,
et respectum debitum ad tenorem statuti praedicti pro
praeservatione legum nostrarum communium in sue vi-
30 gore remanentium, et pro omnibus aliis articulis, et ramis
dicti statuti. Et quamprimum leges praedictae per vos
adinventae, formatae, descriptae, et compilatae fiunt, eas-
dem statim nobis exhiberi, et in scriptis tradi volumus,
ut eas de concilii nostri sententia, de residue triginta
35 duorum, una vobiscum pro ulteriore legum praedictarum
ecclesiasticarum ratificatione, et perfectione, tanquam
VOL. I. H
98 Pro re/ormatione legvm eeclesiagticarwn. [XXVI.
commissariorum nostrorum, juxta formam statuti prae-
dicti, conjimctim nominandorum transmittamus.
Et quamvis vos ea modestia, et sapientia prseditos
esse scimus, quod onus istud humeris vestris commissum,
et impositum, baud parvi esse momenti, et pendens 5
aestimabitis ; considerantes tamen, quod propositum no-
strum non est aliud, quam praeparationis cujusdam gratia
istud a vobis eflfectum reddi, its. quod major numerus
ad consultationem, et perfectionem ejusdem magis certo
et ordinate procedere valeat, certiores vos esse volumus, *<>
quod actioneSy et studia vestra in bac parte, cum erunt
nobis gratissima, tum aut benignissima, et maxime favo-
rabili interpretatione accepta.
Et praeterea volumus, quod statim post receptionem
praesentium una conveniatis, et bac in re celeritate et 15
expeditione ea utamini, quam causa exposcit; man-
dantes et stricte praecipientes onmibus et singulis per-
sonis, quarum consilio, sententia, et ope in bac parte
vos opus babebitis, quod illi per vos requisiti opem prse-
stent, consulant, et juvent, quemadmodum nobis placers «©
cupiunt. In cujus testimonium, bas literas nostras fieri
fecimus patentes. Teste meipso apud Westm. xi. die
Novembris anno regni regis quinto.
Makton.
Per ipsum regem, et de data praedicta. 95
^55^-] Imtructiont to the marquesg of Northampton. 99
XXVII.
Pape Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno ChriBti R^. Angli»
JuLii III. 3. Tho. Cranmer. 21. >552* Edward. VF. 6.
Instructions given hy the hinges majesty to his right trusty
and right well beloved cousin and counceUor the mar-
quess of Northampton^ and to the rest of his highness^
com7nissioners appointed for the sw*vey of church goods
within his majesty* s county of Northampton. Ex. Fuller
Eccles. Hist. lib. vii. p. 417. ad ann.
Edward,
THIRST upon the receipt of the said commission by any
one of the same commissioners, he that so shall first
receive the commission, shall forthwith with all conve-
5 nient speed give knowledge to the rest named in the
said commission, and with them shall agree to meet and
assemble with what speed they can, for the execution of
the same commission, and these instructions ; and if any
of the said commissioners shall be dead, sick, or other-
lo wise be so absent out of the country for the service of
the king, that he cannot with speed attend the same, in
that case, the rest of the same commissioners, so that
they be to the number appointed by the commission,
shall not make any delay from the proceeding in the
•5 Instructions given'] *' There was a strict inquiry made of all who
had cheated the king in the suppression of chantries, or in any other
thing that related to churches ; from which the visitors were believed
to have embezzled much to their own uses ; and there were many suits
in the star-chamber about it. Most of all these persons had been the
2o friends or creatures of the duke of Somerset : and the inquiry after
these things seems to have been more out of hatred to him, than out
of any design to make the king the richer by what should be recovered
for his use." Burnet, H. R. vol. ii. p. 424. See also Strype, Mem. vol. ii.
P. a. p. 21 I.
h2
100 Ingtructions to the marquess of Northampton [XXVII.
same commission, but shall forthwith allot their sittings,
assemblies and meetings for the same commission, as in
like cases hath been, or shall be meet to be used.
Item, for their better and more certain proceeding, the
said commissioners shall in such cases, where none ofs
the commissioners be " custos rotulorum** of that county,
nor hath been since the beginning of our reign, com-
mand the said " custos rotulorum** or their deputy, or
the clerk of the peace of those parts, to bring or send
unto them such books, registers, and inventories, as hath lo
heretofore any wise come to their hands by indenture
touching the sums, numbers, and values of any goods,
plate, jewels, vestments, and bells, or ornaments of any
churches, chapel, and such like : and likewise the said
commissioners shall send to the bishops of every diocese, <5
wherein the said county is situate, or to their chancellors,
commissaries, or other ecclesiastical officers, in whose
hands or custody the like of the aforesaid inventories
and registers have command of them and every of them,
they shall receive and take the said books, registers, and «o
inventories ; and that done, the said commissioners shall
compare both the same inventories (that is to say) as
well such as they shall receive and take of the " custos
rotulorum," or their deputy, or the clerk of the peace, as
of the bishops or other under officers ; and accordingly «5
to the best, richest, and greatest inventories of the said
commissioners shall proceed to make their survey and
inquiry, and by the same make the searches of the de-
faults and wants that shall be found. And generally the
same commissioners shall not only by the view of the 30
said registers and inventories, but also by any other
means they can better devise, proceed to the due search,
and inquisition of the wants and de&ults of any part of
the said goods, plates, jewels, vestments, bells, or orna-
ments. 35
Item, for the more speedy obtaining of the
1552.] for the survey of Churth goods. 101
registers, and inventories, the said commissioners shall
receive special letters of commandment from our privy
coimcil for the delivery thereof, which letters the said
commissioners shall deliver as they shall see occasion.
5 Item, the said commissioners shall upon their view
and survey taken, cause due inventories to be made by
bills or books indented, of all manner of goods, plate,
jewels, bells and ornaments as yet remaining, or any wise
forth-coming and belonging to any churches, chapels,
>o fraternities, or guilds; and the one part of the same in-
ventories to send and return to our privy council, and
the other to deliver to them, in whose hands the said
goods, plate, jewels, bells, and ornaments shall remain
to be kept preserved. And they shall also give good
15 charge and order, that the same goods and every part
thereof, be at all times forth-coming to be answered,
leaving nevertheless in every parish church or chapel of
common resort, one, two, or more chalices or cups, ac-
cording to the multitude of the people in every such
so church or chapel ; and also such other ornaments as by
their discretion shall seem requisite for the divine ser-
vice in every such place for the time.
And because we be informed, that in many places
great quantity of the said plate, jewels, bells, and orna-
25 ments be embezzled by certain private men, contrary to
our express commandments in that behalf; the said
commissioners shall substantially and justly inquire and
attain the knowledge thereof, by whose default the same
is, and hath been, and in whose hands any part of the
30 same is come. And in that point the said commissioners
shall have good regard, that they attain to certain names
and dwellingplaces of every person and persons, that hath
sold, alienated, embezzled, taken or carried away; and
of such also as have counselled, advised, and commanded
35 any part of the said goods, plate, jewels, bells, vestments,
and ornaments to be taken or carried away, or otherwise
H 3
102 Instructions to the marquess of Northampton. [XXVII.
embezzled. And these things they shall as certainly
and duly as they can, cause to be searched and under-
stand.
Upon a full search and inquiry whereof, the said com-
missioners, four or three of them, shall cause to be called 5
before them also the persons by whom any of the said
goods, plate, jewels, bells, ornaments, or any other the
premises, have been alienated, embezzled, or taken
away ; or by whose means or procurement the same or
any part thereof hath been attempted, or to whose hands «<>
or use any of the same, or any profit for the same hath
grown ; and by such means as to their discretions shall
seem best, cause to bring into their the said commis-
sioners' hands, to our use, the said plate, jewels, bells,
and other the premises so alienated, or the true and just 'S
value thereof; certifying unto our privy council the
names of all such as refuse to stand to, or obey their
order, touching the redelivery and restitution of the
same, or the just value thereof, to the intent that, as
cause and reason shall require, every man may answer to 20
his doings in this behalf.
Finally, our pleasure is, that the said commissioners
in all their doings, shall use such sober and discreet
manner of proceeding, as the effect of this commission
may go forward with as much quiet, and as little occa- 25
sion of trouble or disquiet of the multitude, as may be ;
using to that end such wise persuasions in all places of
their sessions, as in respect of the place and disposition
of the people may seem to their vrisdoms most expe-
dient; giving also good and substantial order for the 30
stay of the inordinate and greedy covetousness of such
disordered people, as have or shall go about the alien-
ating of any of the premises, so as according to reason
and order, such as have or shall contemptuously offend
in this behalf, may receive reformation, as for the quality 35
of their doings shall be requisite.
1553O Queen Mary's first proclamaiion. lOS
XXVIII.
Paps Rom. Archiepisc Cant. Anno ChrisU Rc^. Anglis
JuLii III. 4. Tho. Cravmer. 21. 1553* Maria I.
Queen Marjfs first proclamation about religion. Ex
Heylin Hist. Refor. p. 193. Et ex Fox pr. ed.
fol. 803.
THHE queen's highness well remembering, what great
inconvenience and dangers have grown to this her
realm in times past through the diversity of opinions in
question of religion ; and hearing also, that now of late
5 sithence the beginning of her most gracious reign the
same contentions be again much revived, through cer-
tain false and untrue reports and rumours spread by
some evil disposed persons, hath thought good to give
to understand to all her highness' most loving subjects
»o her most gracious pleasure in manner following.
First, her majesty being presently by the only good-
ness of God settled in her just possession of the imperial
crown of this realm, and other dominions thereunto be-
longing, cannot now hide that religion, which God and
'5 the world knoweth she hath ever professed from her in-
fancy hitherto; which as her majesty is minded to ob-
serve and maintain for herself by God's grace during her
time, so doth her highness much desire, and would be
glad, the same were of all her subjects quietly and
10 charitably entertained.
And yet she doth signify to all her majesty's loving
subjects, that of her most gracious disposition and cle-
mency, her highness minded not to compel any her said
subjects thereunto, until such time as fiirther order, by
25 Queen Mary* 8 first proclamation] Strype, Mem. vol. iii. P. i. p. 38.
Bamet, H. R. vol. ii. p. 491. Collier, vol. ii. p. 345. Lingard, vol. v.
p. 27.
H 4
104 Queen Mary's firtst [XXVIII.
common assent, may be taken therein ; forbidding never-
theless all her subjects of all degrees, at their perils, to
move seditions, or stir unquietness in her people, by in-
terrupting the laAvs of this realm after their brains and
fancies, but quietly to continue for the same, till (as 5
before is said) further order may be taken ; and there-
fore willeth and straitly chargeth and commandeth all
her good loving subjects to live together in quiet sort,
and Christian charity, leaving those new found devilish
terms of papist and heretic, and such like, and applying 10
their whole care, study, and travel to live in the fear of
God, exercising their conversations in such charitable
and godly doings, as their lives may indeed express the
great hunger and thirst of God's glory, which by rash
talk and words many have pretended ; and in so doing 15
they shall best please God and live without danger of
the laws, and maintain the tranquillity of the realm :
whereof as her highness shall be most glad, so if any
man shall rashly presume to make any assemblies of
people, or at any public assemblies, or otherwise shall go 20
about to stir the people to disorder, or disquiet, she
mindeth according to her duty to see the same most
severely reformed and punished, according to her ma-
jesty's laws.
And furthermore, forasmuch as it is well known, that '^'^
seditions and false rumours have been nourished and
maintained in this realm by the subtlety and malice of
some evil disposed persons, which take upon them with-
out sufficient authority, to preach and interpret the word
of God after their own brains in churches and others©
places, both public and private, and also by playing of
interludes, and printing of false fond books and ballads,
rhymes and other lewd treatises in the English tongue,
containing doctrine in matters now in question and con-
troversies, touching the high points and mysteries in 35
Christian religion, which books, ballads, rhymes, and
^553-1 prodatnatian ahoui reUgwii, 105
treatises are chiefly by the printers and stationers set
out to sale to her grace's subjects, of an evil zeal for
lucre and covetousness of vile gain ; her highness there-
fore straitly chargeth and commandeth all and every
5 of her said subjects of whatsoever state, condition, or
degree they be, that none of them presume from hence-
forth to preach, or by way of reading in churches and
other public or private places, except in schools of the
university, to interpret or teach any scriptures, or any
lo manner of points of doctrine, concerning religion ; neither
also to print any book, matter, ballad, rhyme, interlude,
process or treatise, nor to play any interlude, except they
have her grace's special license in writing for the same,
upon pain to incur her highness' indignation and displea-
»5 sure. And her highness also further chargeth and com-
mandeth all and every her said subjects, that none of
them of their own private authority do presume to
punish or to rise against any offender in the causes
above^d, or any other offender in words and deeds in
»the late rebellion committed or done by the duke of
Northumberland or his complices, or to seize any of
their goods, or violently to use any such offender by
striking, or imprisoning, or threatening the same; but
wholly to reserve the punishment of all such offenders
25 unto her highness, and public authority, whereof her
majesty mindeth to see due punishment according to the
order of her highness' laws. Nevertheless, as her high-
ness mindeth not hereby to restrain and discourage any
of her loving subjects to give from time to time true
)o information against any such offenders in the causes
abovesaid unto her grace or her council, for the punish-
ment of every such offender, according to the effect of
her highness' laws provided in that part ; so her said
highness exhorteth, and straitly chargeth her said sub-
is jects to observe her commandment and pleasure in every
part aforesaid, as they will avoid her highness' said in-
i
106 Bulla legationis [XXIX.
dignation, and most grievous displeasure. The severity
and rigour whereof, as her highness shall be most sorry
to have cause to put the same in execution, so doth she
utterly determine not to permit such unlawful and re-
bellious doings of her subjects, whereof may ensue the 5
danger of her royal estate, to remain unpunished ; but to
see her said laws touching these points to be throughly
executed ; which extremities she trusteth all her said
loving subjects will foresee, dread and avoid: accord-
ingly her said highness straitly charging and com- 1©
manding all mayors, sheriffs, justices of peace, bailiffit,
constables, and all other public officers and ministers,
diligently to see to the observing and executing of her
said commandments and pleasure, and to apprehend all
such as shall willingly offend in this part, committing 15
the same to the next goal, there to remain without bail
or mainprize, till upon certificate made to her highness,
or her privy council of their names and doings, and upon
examination had of their offences, some further order
shall be taken for their punishment to the example of «©
others, according to the effect and tenour of the laws
aforesaid. Given at our manor of Richmond the 18th
day of August, in the first year of our most prosperous
reign.
XXIX.
Pap® Rom. Archiepiitc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Anglus
JuLiiIII. 4. Tho. Cranmer. ai. i553* Mari^s i.
Bulla legationis de latere cardinalis Poll. Ex reg. Pole.
fol. 4. b.
TULIUS episcopus, servus servorum Dei, dilecto filio
Beginaldo sanctae Mariae in Cosmedin diacono cardi- ^5
nali, Polo nuncupate, ad charissimam in Christo filiam
Bulla legationis] Burnet, H. R. vol. ii. pp* 5 18. 585. Strype, Mem.
vo[. ill. P. I. pp. 21 1. 246. Ling^d, vol. v. p. 29.
J
1553] ^ latere cardinalts Poli, 107
nostram Mariam Angliae reginam illustrem, et univereum
Angliae regnum nostro et apostolicae sedis legato de
latere salutem et apostolicam benedictionem. Si uUo
unquam tempore licuit, nunc certe expositissime licet
5 dicere, dextra Domini fecit virtutem. Hanc inquam
laetissimam vocem licet omnium piorum gaudiis atque
acclamatione celebrare. Quid enim aliud dicamus, quam
dextram Domini hanc tam inopinatam rerum conver-
gionem fecisse, ut florentissimum Angliae regnum ab
'o Henrico octavo in discidium ab ecclesia catholica seces-
sionemque seductum, ac deinde Edwardi ejus nati suc-
cessione in patemo et haereditario errore corroboratum
atque firmatum, in eum nunc statum repente devenerit,
ut ad sanctum ovile atque ad ecclesiae catholicae septa
n revocari facillime posse videatur ? Profecto hoc nihil
aliud est quam mutatio dextrae excelsi. Defuncto enim
vita supradicto Edwardo, adnisisque illius sectatoribus,
qui rerum habenas, qui arces, qui exercitum, qui classem
obtinebant, regnum alicui ex sua secta deferre, exclusa
lolegitima haerede, clarissima in Christo filia Maria Angliae
regina illustri, tunc principe praefati Henrici regis nata,
quae semper in catholicae fidei unitate permansit, atque,
ut eis videbatur, voto jam potitis, ecce ille Dominator
Dominus et terribilis, qui aufert spiritum principum,
25 cuncta iniquorum commenta dejecit, et repentina animo-
rum totius regni inclinatione atque motu, ea quam ipsi
constituerant regia potcstate dejecta, ut ipsa Maria una
omnium voce regina salutaretur, effecit. Gratia Domino
Deo nostro, qui non obliviscitur suos ; qui et huic illustri
jofcBminae praemium fidei suae, invictaeque constantiae pa-
temum regnum, quod jam humanitus amiserat, divinitus
detulit ; et hanc non parvam gregis sui partem a recta
semita jampridem abactam, et pro deserta dispersam, re-
spicere dignatus est ; quam et non dubitamus, eodem
^divino fevore perseverante, postquam catholicam princi-
pem nacta est, etiam ipsam in catholicae fidei viam facile
108 Bulla legationis. [XXIX.
conversam iri, et comraunioni ecclesiae restitutam. Cui
quidem spei sanctaeque fiduciae, quam habemus in Do-
iniuo, nos pro pastoral! (quae nobis est ab illo commissa)
universalis eeclesiae cura, et pro ea charitate, qua erga
Anglicam gentem proprie debemus aflSci, tanquam hi\jus 5
sanctae sedis, cui sine mentis ullis nostris, sed sola sum mi
Dei providentia praesidemus, peculiarem filiam, procurata
olim ab ipsa sede divini illic verbi disseminatione gene-
ratam, deesse nee volumus nee debemus. Cum igitur
super hujusmodi tractanda re, negotioque divina ope lo
conficiendo, et potissimum, cui banc provinciam deman-
dare possemus, assiduos nostras mentis cogitatus efiun-
deremus, tu semper nobis, non sane primus, sed solus
omnium occurristi, quem omnino prae caeteris huic curae
praeficere debemus. Unde habita super biis cum venera- 15
bilibus fratribus nostris sanctae Romanae eeclesiae cardi-
nalibus deliberatione matura, de illorum unanimi assensu
et consensu, te ad eandem reginam Mariam, et univer-
sum Angliae regnum nostrum et apostolicae sedis legatum
delegimus. Sive enim nos natalis terrae tuae, et civium 20
charitatem, quae in te summa esse debet, et certe est, seu
linguae ejus gentis et morum sensuumque notitiam, sive
ob deductum a sanguine regie genus auctoritatem et gra-
tiam, seu singularem in omni genere prudentiam atque
eloquentiam, seu, quod caput est, flagrantissimum tuum 15
erga Deum et Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum, ejus-
que sanctam ecclesiam catholicam amorem atque obser-
vantiam, multis jam in rebus cognitam atque perspec-
tam spectaremus ; personam tuam, quam hiis, quas mode
commemoravimus, et pluribus aliis virtutibus omnium 50
munerum largitor altissimus exomavit, ad banc lega-
tionem aptissimam judicavimus. Quamobrem circum-
spectioni vestrae per praesentes literas mandamus, ut
munus istud pro eadem tua erga Deum pietate, erga uos
et sanctam banc sedem reverentia, erga christianam rem- 35
publicam studio atque amore suscipiens, id pro tua fide.
1553 •] -^ ^^^ ^*^'* articles, 109
diligentia, dexteritate exequare; nihilque praetennittas,
quo minus, Deo bene juvante, optatum legationis fruc-
tum assequare, in errorem lapsos consolando, atque in
Dei gratiam et suae sanctse catholicae ecclesiae commu-
5 nionem restituendo ; cujus rei maxime scilicet in ipsius
Dei dementia, secundum Deum autem cum in studio,
prudentia et virtute tua, turn ipsius Mariae reginae in
Deum pietate, sapientia et devotione spem ponimus. Dat.
Romae apud sanctam Mariam anno incamationis domi-
lo nicae 1553. non. Augusti, pontificatus nostri anno IV.
XXX.
PafMB Rom. Archiepiiic. Cant. Anno Christi Reg- Angliie
JuMi in. 4. Tho. Craxmer. 22. '553* Marine i.
A letter with articles sent from the queen! s majesty unto
the bishop of London^ a7id by him and his officers at
her gracious commandment to be in speedy ea^ecution
with effect^ in the whole diocese^ as well in places
exempt as not esempt whatsoeve7\ according to the
tenour and form of the safne. Ex Burnett. Hist.
Befonn. vol. ii. Append, p. 252.
Sent by the queen^s majesty'^s commandment in the month of
March, anno Domini 1553.
By the queen,
T> IGHT reverend father in God, right trusty and well
beloved, we greet you well. And whereas hereto-
A letter with articles] The most important of these articles was in
reference to married priests. In this matter bishop Bonner appears to
15 have acted on his own authority before the articles were issued. In
the latter end of February he deprived all married priests within his
diocese of their livings, and commanded them to bring their wives
within a fortnight in order that they might be divorced. (Strype,
Cranm. vol. i. p. 471.) The same letter and articles were sent to all
20 the bishops on the 4th of March, and the consequences that foUowed
with regard to the parochial clergy are stated at length by Strype,
Cranm. vol. i. pp. 467-475. Burnet, H. R. vol. ii. pp. 550-556.
Collier, vol. ii. p. 366.
110 A letter with articles sent from the [XXX.
fore in the time of the late reign of our most dearest
brother king Edward VI. (whose soul God pardon) divers
notable crimes, excesses and &ults with divers kinds of
heresies, simony, advoutry, and other enormities, have
been committed within this our realm and other domi- 5
nions ; the same continuing yet hitherto in like disorder
since the beginning of our reign without any correction
or reformation at all, and the people both of the laity
and clergy, and chiefly of the clergy, have been given
to much insolence and ungodliness, greatly to the dis- '®
pleasure of Almighty God, and very much to our regret
and evil contentation, and to the slander of other Chris-
tian realms, and in a manner to the subversion and clear
defaxjing of this our realm : and remembering our duty
to Almighty God to be to foresee, as much as in us may 15
be, that all virtue and godly living should be embraced,
flourish and increase, and therewith also that all vice
and ungodly behaviour should be utterly banished, and
put away, or at the leasf wise so nigh, as might be so
bridled and kept imder, that godliness and honesty might ^o
have the overhand ; understanding by very credible re-
port, and public fame, to our no small heaviness and
discomfort, that within your diocese, as well in not ex-
empted as in exempted places, the like disorder and evil
behaviour hath been done and used, like also to continue «5
and increase, unless due provision be had and made to
reform the same (which earnestly in very deed we do
mind and intend) to the utmost all the ways we can
possible, trusting in God's furtherance and help in that
behalf : for these causes, and other most just considera- 30
tions us moving, we send unto you such certain articles
of such special matter, as among other things be most
special and necessary to be now put in execution by you
and your officers, extending to them by us desired» iild
the reformation aforesaid; wherein ye shall be chaiged^s
with our special commandments by these our letters, to
the intent you and your officers may the more earnestly
^553'^ yM«^'« majesty to the Bp, of Lmdm. Ill
and boldly proceed thereunto, without fear of any pre-
sumption to be noted on your part, or danger to be in-
curred of any such our laws, as by your doings of that is
in the said articles contained, might any wise grieve you,
5 whatsoever be threatened in any such case ; and there-
fore we straitly charge and command you, and your said
officers, to proceed to the execution of the said articles
without all tract and delay, as ye will answer to the con-
trary. Given under our hand at our palace of West-
'o minster the fourth day of March, the first year of our
reign.
ARTICLES.
1. That every bishop and his officers, with all other
having ecclesiastical jurisdiction, shall with all speed and
'5 diligence, and all manners and ways to them possible,
put in execution all such canons and ecclesiastical laws
heretofore in the time of king Henry VIII. used within
this realm of England, and the dominions of the same,
not being direct and expressly contrary to the laws and
«o statutes of this realm.
2. Item, That no bishop, or any his officers, or other
person aforesaid, hereafter in any of their ecclesiastical
writings in process, or other extrajudicial acts, do use
to put in this clause or sentence : " Regia auctoritate
25 fiilcitus."
3. Item, That no bishop, or any his officers, or other
person aforesaid, do hereafter exact or demand in the
admission of any person to any ecclesiastical promotion,
orders, or office, any oath touching the primacy or suc-
30 cession, as of late in few years passed hath been accus-
tomed and used.
4. Item, That every bishop, and his officers, with all
other persons aforesaid, have a vigilant eye, and use
special diligence and foresight, that no person be ad-
35 mitted or received to any ecclesiastical function, benefit.
112 A letter with artide$ neiUfrom the [XXX.
or office, being a sacramentaiy, infected or defamed with
any notable kind of heresy, or other great crime. And
that the said bishop do stay, and cause to be stayed,
as much as lieth in him, that benefices and ecclesiastical
promotions do not notably decay, or take hinderance, by 5
passing or confirming of unreasonable leases.
5. Item, That every bishop, and all other persons
aforesaid, do diligently travel for the repressing of
heresies, and notable crimes, especially in the clergy,
duly correcting and punishing the same. 'o
6. Item, That every bishop, and all other persons
aforesaid, do likewise travel for the condemning and
repressing of corrupt and naughty opinions, unlawful
books, ballads, and other pernicious, and hurtful devises,
engendering hatred among the people, and discord '5
among the same ; and that schoolmasters, preachers, and
teachers, do exercise and use their offices and duties
without teaching, preaching, or setting forth any evil
corrupt doctrine ; and that doing the contrary, they may
be by the bishop and his said officers punished and ao
removed.
7. Item, That every ^ishop, and all the other persons
aforesaid, proceeding summarily, kai with all celerity
and speed, may, and shall deprive, or declare deprived,
and amove according to their iearriing and discretion all »s
such persons from their benefices and ecclesiastical pro-
motions, who, contrary to the state of their order, and
the laudable custom of the church, Imve married and
used women as their wives, or otherwise notably and
slanderously disordered or abused themselves; seques-ao
tering also, during the said process, the fruits and profitB
of the said benefits and ecclesiastical promotions.
8. Item, That the said bishop, and all other persons
aforesaid, do use more lenity and clemency with radi
as have married, whose wives be dead, than with othem» 55
whose women do yet remain in life ; and likewise mxHk
^SSS'l sent from the queerCs majesty. 113
priests as with the consents of their wives, or women
openly in the presence of the bishop, do profess to
abstain, to be used the more favourably : in which case
after penance effectually done, the bishop according to
5 his discretion and wisdom may upon just consideration
receive and admit them again to their former adminis-
tration, so it be not in the same place ; appointing them
such a portion to live upon, to t)e paid out of their
benefice, whereof they be deprived, by discretion of the
lo said bishop, or his officers, as they shall think may be
spared of the said benefice.
9. Item, That every bishop, and all persons aforesaid,
do foresee, that they suffer not any religious man, having
solemnly professed chastity, to continue with his woman
15 or wife ; but that all such persons after deprivation of
their benefice, or ecclesiastical promotion, be also divorced
every one from his said woman, and due punishment
otherwise taken for the offence therein.
10. Item, That every bishop, and all other persons
so aforesaid, do take order and direction, with the parish-
ioners of every benefice, where priests do want, to repair
to the next parish for divine service ; or to appoint for
a convenient time, till other better provision may be
made, one curate to serve " altemis vicibus" in divers
35 parishes, and to allot to the said curate for his labour
some portion of the benefice, that he so serveth.
11. Item, That all, and all manner of processions of
the church be used, frequented, and continued after the
old order of the church in the Latin tongue.
^ 12. Item, That all such holy-days, and fasting-days
be observed and kept, as was observed and kept in the
late time of king Henry VIII.
13. Item, That the laudable and honest ceremonies,
whidi were wont to be used, frequented, and observed
35 in the chiireh, be also hereafter frequented, used, and
observed.
VOL. I. I
114 A letter with ariides sent from the queen. [XXX.
14. Item, That children be christened by the priest,
and confirmed by the bishops, as heretofore hath been
accustomed and used.
15. Item, Touching such persons as were heretofore
promoted to any orders after the new sort and fashion s
of orders, considering they were not ordered in very
deed, the bishop of the diocese finding otherwise suffi-
ciency, and ability in those men, may supply that thing,
which wanted in them before; and then according to
his discretion admit them to minister. lo
16. Item, That by the bishop of the diocese an uniform
doctrine be set forth by homUies, or otherwise for the
good instruction and teaching of all people ; and that the
said bishop, and- other persons aforesaid, do compel the
parishioners to come to their several churches, and there 15
devoutly to hear divine service, as of reason they ought.
17. Item, That they examine all schoolmasters and
teachers of children, and finding them suspect in any
ways, to remove them, and place catholic men in their
rooms, with a special commandment to mstruct their ao
children, so as they may be able to answer the priest at
the mass, and so help the priest to mass, as hath been
accustomed.
18. Item, That the said bishop, and all persons afore-
said, have such regard, respect and considerations of 95
and for the setting forth of the premises with all kind
of virtue, godly living, and good example, with repress-
ing also and keeping under of vice and unthriftiness, as
they, and every of them may be seen to &vour the
restitution of true religion ; and also to make an honest $0
account and reckoning of their office and cure to the
honour of God, our good contentation, and the profit of
tliis realm, and dominions of the same.
Eaedem hae literae cum articulis custodibus spirituali-
tatis archiepiscopatus Eboracensis a r^;ina miss® sunt. 35
Reg. dec. et cap. Ebor. fol. 651.
1553-1 Memdatum ^iseopi London. 115
XXXI.
Paps Rom. Archiqiisc Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Angli»
JuLii III. 4. Tho. Crakmeh. 32. 1553* Mari^c I.
Mandaium ephcopi London, omnibus Cantuar. provincice
ecclesiis de provisione eorum, quce ad cultum divinum
et sacramentorum administrationem pertinent — Ex Fox
pr. edit. fol. 925.
TpDMUNDUS, &c. universis, &c. Quia jure id exi-
gente ac aequitate etiam suadente, parochiani eccle-
siarum singularum Cantuariensis provinciae, quae neces-
saria aut opportuna sunt ad cultum divinum sacramen-
5 torum, ac sacramentalium administrationem, providere
debite et congruenter tenentur, ac inter caetera, calicem,
libroSy vestimenta, vasa, ac alia omamenta pro divinis
obsequiis, et servitiis qualitercunque apta et requisita
comparare; et insuper, quia parochiani ipsi pro anima-
fo ram salute ad ecclesias suas accedere, missam officiaque
divina audire, confessionemque auricularem facere, ac
yenerandum eucharistias sacramentum religiose et devote
(praesertim temporibus ad id statutis et consuetis) susci-
pere simili modo ex ordinatione ecclesiae catholicae, et
'5 laudabili ejusdem consuetudine astringuntur ; deinde,
quia ex fide dignorum multorum relatione fida, factique
notorietate, ac fama publica referente intelleximus, quod
nonnulli parochiani nostras Londinensis dioecesis Can-
tuariensisque provincial pra&missa, aut eorum aliqua sic
«o providere, comparare, accedere, audire, facere et susci-
pere, vol onmino contemnunt, aut saltem plus aequo, et
justo, diflferunt: nos volentes (prout ex officio debito
tenemur) congruam in eisdem reformationem ac debitam
provisionem adhibere, vobis conjunctim et divisim tenore
S5 praesentium committimus ac mandamus, quatenus recep*
tis praesentibus, una Cum schedula eisdem annexa, pare-
i2
116 Mandatvm episcapi London. [XXXI.
chianos cujuscunque parochiae infra dioece&im nostram
London, ubilibet in exemptis et non exemptis locis qui-
buscunque in praemissis, aut eorum aliquibus cessatores
aut negligentes, vel culpabiles qualitercunque existentes,
moneatis, quos etiam uos tenore praesentium prime, secun- 5
do, et tertio ac peremptorie monemus ; quod parochiani
omnes et singuli ad praemissa omnia et singula facienda
et expedienda, quatenus eos quovismodo tangunt aut con-
cernunt, cum adnexis, connexis, dependentibus, ac debitis
circumstantiis, diligenter se praeparent, eaque faciant, ac lo
fieri debite procurent ante festum Paschas proximo fatu-
rum, mora et culpa quibuscunque cessantibus. Porro si
cessatores ipsi, ac negligentes, y^I culpabiles aut remissi
sic per vos moniti, ilia aut eorum aliqua sic facere, aut
perimplere non curaverint aut distulerint ; time et in 15
eum eventum eos omnes et singulos sic cessantes, neg-
ligentesy culpabiles vel remissos in hac parte auctoritate
nostra citetis, seu citari faciatis peremptorie, quod illi ac
eorum quilibet coram nobis, seu nostro in spiritualibus
vicario generali, aut commissario nostro quocunque in«o
ecclesia nostra cathedrali divi Pauli London, loco con-
sistorii ibidem die Veneris (videlicet sexto die mensis
Aprilis proxime future post datam praesentium) hora
causarum consueta personaliter compareant et compareat,
causam rationabilem et legitimam (si quam pro se bar- as
beant, aut habeat, quare ob eorum culpam et negligen-
tiam hujusmodi excommimicari, aut aliter debite juxta
juris exigentiam corrigi, et puniri non debeant et debeat)
in juris forma dicturi, allegaturi, et proposituri, ulterioB-
que facturi, et recepturi, quod juris fuerit et rationis. s^
Et quid in praemissis, &c. Nos autem dictum nostmnt
vicarium, &c. dictis die, hora et loco, una cum nominibos
omnium et singulorum in ea parte monitorum et citar-
tonim debite certificetis, una cum praesentibus. Datum
Londini 8. die Martii A. D. secundum cuigum, &to^ lfi58. 35
et nostras translationis anno decimo quinto.
^553-] Sulla papce Jwin III. 1 17
XXXII.
Pape Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christ! Reg. Augliae
JULII III. 5. ThO. CrANMER. 12. 1553* MxRIiE 1.
Bulla papce Jtdii III. potestatem concedeiis cardifiali Polo
Angliam ecchsice Romance reuniendi. — Impress. Lon-
dini 1685.
Julius papa III.
l^ILECTE fill noster, salutem et apostolicam bene-
dictionem. Dudum cum cbarissima in Christo filia
nostra Maria Angliae tunc princeps regina declarata fu-
issety et speraretur regnum Angliae, quod saeva tyrannide
B ab unione sanctae ecclesiae catholicae separatum fuerat,
ad ovile gregis Domini et ejusdem ecclesiae unionem,
ipsa Maria primum regnante, redire posse ; nos te, prae-
stanti virtute, singulari pietate, ac multa doctrina insig-
nem ad eandem Mariam reginam, et universum Angliae
«o regnum de firatrum nostrorum consilio et unauimi con-
sensu nostrum et apostolicae sedis legatum de latere
destinavimus ; tibique inter caetera omnes et singulos
utriusque sexus tam laicas quam ecclesiasticas seculares,
et quorumvis ordinum regulares personas in quibusvis
15 etiam sacris ordinibus constitutas cujuscunque status,
gradus, conditionis et qualitatis extiterint, ac quacunque
Bulla paptB Julii] The first Bull (No. XXIX.), appointing cardinal
Pole legate a latere, bears date in August 1553, and was drawn up on
the supposition that he would immediately repair to England. But
20 tt he was detained by the emperor in Flanders for prudential reasons
suggested in the first instance by the English court, and afterwards
approved by the pope, (see Burnet, H. R. vol. ii. p. 520,) it was
thought necessary to issue another Bull, which bears date the 8th of
March following, in order that he might be able to appoint his officers,
15 and exercise his legatine powers, before his actual arrival in the king-
dom. Strype, Mem. vol. iii. P. i. p. 211. Burnet, H. R. vol. iii. p. 445.
Collier, vd. iL p. 352. Lingard, vol. v. p. 30.
I3
118 BuUa papcB Jvlii III, potegUUem [XXXII.
ecclesiastica etiam episcopali, archiepiscopali et patriar-
cbali, aut mundana etiam marchionali, ducali, aut regia
digiiitate praefulgerent, etiamsi capitulum, collegium,
miiversitas, seu communitas forent, quarumcunque haere-
sium aut no varum seetarum professores, aut in eis cul- 5
pabiles vel suspectas, ac credentes, receptatores et fiiu-
tores eorum, etiamsi relapsae fuissent, eorum errorem
cognoscentes, et de illis dolentes, ac ad orthodoxam
fidem recipi humiliter postulantes, cognita in eis vera
et non ficta, aut simulata poenitentia, ab omnibus et lo
singulis per eos perpetratis (haereses, et ab eadem fide
apostasias, blasphemias et alios quoscunque errores, etiam
sub generali sermone non venientes sapientibus) pecca-
tis, criminibus, excessibus et delictis, nee non excommu-
nicationum, suspensionura, interdictorum, et aliis eccle- 15
siasticis ac temporalibus etiam corporis afflictivis, et
capitalibus sententiis, censuris et pcenis in eos praemis-
sorum occasione a jure vel ab homine latis vel promul-
gatis, etiamsi in eis viginti et plus annis insorduissent,
et eorum absolutio nobis et apostolical sedi, et per literas 20
in die coenae Domini legi consuetas reservata existeret,
in utroque conscientiae videlicet, et contentioso foro,
plenarie absolvendi et liberandi, ac aliorum Christi fide-
lium consortio aggregandi : necnon cum eis super irre-
gularitate per eos praemissorum occasione, etiam quia 15
sic ligati, missas, et alia divina officia etiam contra ritus
et ceremonias ab ecclesia eatenus probatas et usitatas
celebrassent, aut illis alias se miscuissent, contracta;
necnon bigamia per eosdem ecclesiasticos, seculares vel
regulares, vere aut ficte, seu alias qualitercunque incnrsa 3«
(etiamsi ex eo quod clerici in sacris constituti cum vidnis
vel aliis corruptis matrimonium contraxissent praeten-
deretur) rejectis et expulsis tamen prius uxoribus, sic de
facto copulatis ; quodque bigamia et irregularitate, ac
aliis praemissis non obstantibus in eorum ordinibus, dum- 55
modo ante eorum lapsum in haeresin hujusmodi rite et
1553-] concedens eardinaU Polo. 119
legitime promoti vel ordinati fuissent, etiam in altajis
ministerio ministrare, ac quaecunque et qualitercimque
etiam cmuta beneficia, secularia vel regularia ut prius,
dummodo super eis alteri jus quaesitum non existeret,
5 retinere ; et non promoti ad omnes etiam sacros et pres-
byteratus ordines ab eorum ordinariis, si digni et idonei
reperti fiiissent, promoveri, ac beneficia eeclesiastica, si
iis alias canonice conferentur, recipere et retinere vale-
rent, dispensandi et indulgendi ; ac omnem infamiae et
lo inhabilitatis maculam, sive notam ex prsemissis quomo-
dolibet insurgentem, penitus et omnino abolendi, nee
non ad pristinos honores, dignitates, famam et patriam,
et bona etiam confiscata in pristinumque, et eum, in quo
ante praemissa quomodolibet erant, statum restituendi,
»5 reponendi, et reintegrandi ; ac eis, dummodo corde con-
triti, eorum errata et excessus alicui per eos eligendo
catholico confessori, sacramentaliter confiterentur, ac poe-
nitentiam salutarem eis per ipsum confessorem propterea
injungendam omnino adimplerent, omnem publicam con-
2ofessionem, abjurationem, renuntiationem et poenitentiam
jure debitam, arbitrio suo moderandi vel in totum re-
mittendi ; necnon communitates et universitates, ac sin^
gulares personas quascunque, a quibusvis illicitis pactio-
nibus, et conventionibus per eos cum dominis aberranti-
25 bus, sen in eorum favorem quomodolibet initis, et iis
praestitis juramentis et homagiis, illorumque onmium
observatione, et si quem eatenus occasione eorum incur-
rissent perjurii reatum, etiam absolvendi et juramento
ipsa relaxandi ; ac quoscunque regulares et religiosos
30 etiam in haeresin hujusmodi, ut praefertur, lapses, extra
eorum regularia loca absque dictae sedis licentia vagan-
tes, ab apostasias reatu, et excommunicationis, aliisque
censuris ac poenis ecclesiasticis, per eos propterea etiam
juxta suorum ordinum instituta incursis, pariter absol-
35 vendi ; ac cum eis ut alicui beneficio ecclesiastico curato
de illud obtinentis consensu, etiam in habitu clerici se-
i4
120 BuUa papce Julii III. patestatem [XXXII.
cularis, babitum suum regularem sub boaesta toga pres-
byteri secularis deferendo, deservire, et extra eadem re-
gularia loca remanere libere et licite possint^ dkpensandi;
necnon quibusvis personis etiam ecclesiasticis ut quad-
ragesimalibus et aliis anni temporibus et diebus, quibus 5
usus ovorum et eamium est de jure prohibituSy butiro
et caseo, et aliis lacticiniis, ac dictis ovis et camibus de
utriusque seu alterius spiritualis, qui catholicus existeret^
medici consilio, aut si locorum et personarum qualitate
inspecta, ex defectu piscium aut olei, vel indispositione 10
personarum earundem, seu alia causa legitima id tibi
faciendum videretur, ut tuo arbitrio uti et yesci possint^
indulgendi et concedendi ; necnon per te in prseteritis
duntaxat casibus, aliquos clericos seculares, tantum pres-
byteroSy diaconos aut subdiaconos, qui matrimonium cum 15
aliquibus virginibus, vel corruptis secularibus etiam mu-
lieribus, de facto eatenus contraxissent, considerata ali-
qua ipsorum singulari quaUtate, et cognita eorum vera
ad Christi fidem conversione, ac aliis circumstantiis ac
modificationibus tuo tantum arbitrio adhibendis, ex qui- ^
bus aliis praesertim clericis in sacris ordinibus hujusmodi
constitutis, quibus non licet uxores habere, scandalum
omnino non generetur ; citra tamen altaris ac alia sacer-
dotum ministeria, et titulos beneficiorum ecclesiastico-
rum, ac omni ipsorum ordinum exercitio sublato abs5
excommunicationis sententia, et aliis reatibus propterea
incursis, injuncta inde eis etiam tuo arbitrio poenitentia
salutari, absolvendi, ac cum eis dummodo alter eorum
superstes remaneret, de caetero sine spe conjugii, quod
inter se matrimonium legitime contrahere, et in eo post- 30
quam contractum foret, licite remanere possent, prolem
exinde legitimam decemendo, misericorditer dispensandi ;
ac quaecunque beneiicia ecclesiastica, tam secularia, quam
regularia, et quae per rectores catholicos posoidebantur,
de ipsorum tamen rectorum catholicorum consensu, sen 55
abs(|ue eorum praejudicio, cuieunque alter! benefioio
'553-1 eon^oedens cardinaU Polo. Itl
ecclesiastico ob ejus fructus tenuitatem, aut hospitali
jam erecto Tel erigendo, seu studio nniversali vel scholis
literariis, tmiendi, annectendi, et incorporandi, aut fruc*
tug, reditus et proyentus, seu bonorum beneficiorum di-
5 yidendi, separandi et dismembrandi, ac eorum sic diviso*
ram, separatorum et dismembratorum partem aliis bene-
ficiis seu hospitalibus Tel studiis aut scholis seu piis
usibus similiter arbitrio tuo perpetuo applicandi et ap-
propriandi : *^ Ac cum possessoribus bonorum ecclesias-
loticorum (restitutis prius, si tibi expedire Tideretur, im-
mobilibus per eos indebite detentis) super fructibus male
peiceptis, ac bonis mobilibus consumptis, concordandi et
transigendi ac eos desuper liberandi et quietandi:" ac
quicquid concordiis et transactionibus hujusmodi proTe-
15 niret in ecclesia, cujus essent bona, Tel in studiornm
uniTersalium aut scholarum hujusmodi, seu alios pios
usus couTertendi, onmiaque et singula alia, in quae in
praemissis et circa ea quomodollbet necessaria et oppor<-
tuna esse cognosceres, faciendi, dicendi, gerendi et exer«-
M cendi ; necnon catholicos locorum ordinaries, aut alias
personas Deum timentes, fide insignes, et literarum
scientia praeditas, ac graTitate morum conspicuas et aetate
Teneranda, de quarum probitate et circumspectione ac
charitatis zelo plena fiducia conspici posset, ad praemissa
«5 omnia cum simili Tel limitata potestate (absolutione et
dispensatione clericorum circa connubia, ac unione bene-
ficiorum, seu eorum fnictuum et bonorum separatione et
applicatione ac concordia cum possessoribus bonorum
ecclesiasticorum et eorum liberatorum dimtaxat exceptis)
10 substituendi et subdelegandi ; ac diyersas alias facultates
per diTcrsas alias nostras tarn sub plumbo quam in forma
breTis confectas literas, concessimus, prout in illis plenius
continetur. Verum cum tu ad partes Flandriae, ex qui-
bus breyissima ad regnum transfretatio existit, te contu-
u leris, ac ex certis rationibus nobis notis inibi aliquamdiu
sabsistere habeas, ac a nonnullis nimium forsan scrupup
122 BuOapofcB JuUi III. poieskUem' [XXXII.
lofiis haesitetur, an tu in partibus hujusmodi subfiistens,
praedictis ac aliis tibi concessis fiEU^uItatibus uti, ac in
eodeifi regno locorum ordinaries aut alias personas, ut
praemittitur, qualificatas, quae facultatibus per te jnxta
dictarum literarum continentiam pro tempore concessis 5
utantur, alias juxta earundem literarum tenorem substi-
tuere et delegare possis; nos causam tuae subsistentiae
in eisdem partibus approbantes, et singularum literarum
praedictarum tenores, praesentibus pro sufficienter ex-
pressis, ac de verbo ad verbum insertis, habentes, cir- »<>
cumspectioni tuae quod quamdiu in eisdem partibus de
licentia nostra moram traxeris, legatione tua praedicta
durante, etiam extra ipsum regnum existens, omnibus et
singulis praedictis et quibusvis aliis tibi concessis, et quae
per praesentes tibi conceduntur, &cultatibus, etiam erga 15
quoscunque archiepiscopos, episcopos ac abbates, alio&-
que ecclesiarum tarn secularium, quam quorumvis ordi-
num regularium, necnon monasteriorum et aliorum re-
gularium locorum praelatos, non secus ac erga alios in«
feriores clericos, uti possis ; necnon erga alias personas ^o
in singulis Uteris praedictis quovismodo nominatas, ad te
pro tempore recurrentes vel mittentes; etiam circa or-
dines, quos nunquam aut male susceperunt, et munus
consecrationis, quod iis ab aliis episcopis vel arcbie-
piscopis etiam haereticis et schismaticis, aut alias minus >5
rite, et non servata forma ecclesiae consueta, impensum
fiiit, etiamsi ordines et munus hujusmodi etiam circa
altaris ministerium temere executi sint, per tiepsum,
vel alios ad id a te pro tempore deputatos, libere uti;
ac in eodem regno tot, quot tibi videbuntur, locorum jo
ordinaries yel alias personas, ut praemittitur, qualificatas,
quae facultatibus per te eis pro tempore concessis (citra
tamen eas quae solum tibi, ut praefertur, concessae ex-
istunt) etiam te in partibus Flandriae hujusmodi subsis-
tente, libere utantur, et eaa exerceant et exequantur, 35
alias juxta ipsarum literarum continentiam ac tenorem
1553'] eoncedem cardinaU Pch. 1S8
substituere et subdelegare ; necnon de personis quorum-
cunque episcoporum vel archiepiscoporum, qui metro-
politanam aut alias cathedrales ecclesias de manu laico-
ram etiam schismaticorum, et prsesertim qui de Hemici
5 regis et Edwardi ejus nati receperunt, et eorum regimini
et administrationi se ingesserunt, et eorum fructus, redi-
tus, et proventus etiam longissimo tempore tanquam yen
airchiepiscopi aut episcopi temere et de facto usurpando^
etiamsi in haeresin, ut praefertur, inciderint, seu antea
lohaeretici fiierint, postquam per te unitati sanctae matris
ecclesiffi restituti extiterint, tuque eos rehabilitamlos
esse censueris, si tibi alias digni et idonei videbuntur,
eisdem metropolitanis et aliis cathedralibus ecclesiis de-
nuo, nee non quibusvis aliis cathedralibus etiam metro-
is politanis ecclesiis per obitum vel privationem illarum
praesulum, sen alias quovismodo pro tempore vacantibus,
de personis idoneis, pro qtiibus ipsa Maria regina juxta
consuetudines ipsius regni tibi supplicaverit, auctoritate
nostra providere, ipsasque personas eisdem ecclesiis in
30 episcopos aut archiepiscopos praeficere ; ac cum iis qui
ecclesias cathedrales et metropolitanas, de manu laico-
rum etiam schismaticorum, ut praefertur, receperunt,
quod eisdem seu aliis, ad quas eas alias rite transferri
contigerit, cathedralibus etiam metropolitanis ecclesiis,
ts in episcopos vel archiepiscopos praeesse, ipsasque eccle-
sias in spiritualibus et temporalibus regere et gubemare,
ac munere consecrationis eis hactenus impenso uti ; vel
si illud eis nondum impensum extiterit, ab episcopis vel
archiepiscopis catholicis per te nominandis suscipere li-
30 here et licite possint ; necnon cum quibusvis per te, ut
praemittitur, pro tempore absolutis et rehabilitatis, ut
eorum erroribus et excessibus praeteritis, non obstantibus
quibusvis cathedralibus etiam metropolitanis ecclesiis, in
episcopos et archiepiscopos praefici et praeesse, illasque
35 in eisdem spiritualibus et temporalibus regere et guber-
nare; ac ad quoscunque etiam sa«ros et presbyteratus
124 Articles o/inHtatim by tishcp Banner, [XXXIII.
ordines promoverey et in illis aut per eos jam licet minus
rite susceptis ordinibus etiam in altariB ministerio minis-
trare, nee non mmius consecrationis suscipere et illo uti
libere et licite valeant, dispensare etiam libere et licite
possis, plenam et liberam apostolicam auctoritatem per 5
praesentes concedimus £Eu»iltatem et potestatem ; non
obstantibus constitutionibus et ordinationibus apostolicis,
ac omnibus illis quae in singulis Uteris praeteritis volui-
mus non obstare, caeterisque contrariis quibuscunque.
Datum Romae apud sanctum Petrum sub annulo pisca- 10
tons die 8. Martii 1554. pontificatus nostri anno 5.
XXXIII.
Pap« Rom. Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Angliie
JuLii III. 5. Tiio. Cranmer. 23, 1554- Maria 2.
Articles of visitation hy bishop Bonner. Ex reg. Bonner
et Burnet, Hist. Reform, vol. ii. append, p. 260, &c.
A RTICLES to be inquired of in the general visitation
of Edmund, bishop of London, exercised by him in
the year of our Lord God 1554, in the city and diocese
of London, and set forth by the same for his own dis-
charge towards God and the world, to the honour of
God, and his catholic church, and to the commodity and
profit of all those, that either are good (which he would
were all) or delight in goodness (which he wisheth to
be many) without any particular grudge or displeasure
Articles of vm/o/ion] Strype, Mem. vol. iii. P. !• p. ai6. P. a.
p. 217. Buraet, H. R. vol. ii. p. 579. P. a. p. 364. CJollier, vol. ii.
p. 371. A bitter invective against these articles was published by
Bale in 1554, entitled, " A declaration of Edmond Boner's articles
concerning the clergy of London diocese ; whereby that esecrBUe H
Antichrist is in his right colours revealed."
I554-] Articles o/wsitation by bishop Bonmer. 125
to any one, good or bad, within this realm ; which: arti-
cles he desireth all men of their charity, ei^eciaUy those
that are of his diocese, to take with as good intent and
mind, as the said bishop wisheth and desireth, which is
5 to the best : and the said bishop withal desireth all
people to understand, that whatsoever opinion, good or
bad, hath been received of him, or whatsoever usage or
custom hath been heretofore, his only intent and pur-
pose is to do his duty charitably, and with that love, fa-
'o vour, and respect, both towards God, and every Christian
person, which any bishop should shew to his flock in any
wise.
Article I.
Whether the clergy, to give example to laity, have in
their living, in their teaching, and in their doing so he-
's haved themselves, that they (in the judgment of indif-
ferent persons) have declared themselves to search prin-
cipally the honour of God, and his church, the health of
the souls of such as are committed to their cure and
charge, the quietness of their parishioners, and the wealth
20 and honour of the king and queen of this realm ?
Article II.
Item, Whether your parson, vicar, or any other mi-
nistering ss priest within your parish, have been or is
married, or taken for married, not yet separated from his
concubine, or woman taken for wife ; or whether the
25 same woman be dead, or yet living ? and being living,
whether the one resorteth to the other, openly, secretly,
or slanderously maintaining, supporting, or finding the
same in any wise, to the offence of the people ?
Article III.
Item, Whether there be any person of what estate,
30 condition, or degree he be, that doth in open talk, or
126 Afiidsi o/vmtatim hy Ushop Bonner. [XXXIII.
privily defend, maintain, or uphold the marriage of
priests, encouraging or boldening any person to the de-
fence thereof?
Article IV.
Item, Whether you have your parson or vicar resident
continually with you upon his benefice, doing his duty 5
in the serving of the cure? and whether being able, he
do keep hospitality upon the same, feeding his flock
with his good living, with his teaching, and his relieving
of them to his power ?
Akticle V.
Item, Whether your parson or vicar being absent, ><>
have sufficient dispensation, and license therein? and
whether in his absence he do appoint an able, honest,
and sufficient learned curate to supply his room and
absence, to serve his cure ?
Article VI.
Item, Whether your parson or vicar by himself, or his ^5
good and sufficient deputy for him, do relieve his poor
parishioners, repair and maintain his house or mansion,
and things thereunto appertaining, and otherwise do his
duty, as by the order of the law, and custom of this
realm he ought to do? to
Article VII.
Item, Whether the said curate appointed in the ab-
sence of your parson or vicar, do in all points the best
he can to minister the sacraments and sacramentals, and
other his duty in serving the same cure, especially in
celebrating divine service at convenient hours, chiefly 95
upon Sundays and holy-days and procession days; and
ministering the said sacraments and sacramentals» as of
duty and reason he ought, moving and exhorting
'554-] Articles of visitation by bishop Bonner. 127
earnestly his parishioners to come unto it, and devoutly
to hear the same? and whether he himself do re*
verently celebrate, minister, and use the same as apper-
taineth ?
Article VIII.
5 Item, Whether he the said curate, parson, or yicar
have been or is of suspect doctrine, erroneous opinion,
misbelief, or evil judgment, or do set forth, preach, fiEi-
vour, aid, and maintain the same, contrary to the catholic
faith and order of this reahn ?
Article IX.
»« Item, Whether they, or any of them, do haunt or re-
sort to alehouses or taverns, otherwise than for his or
their honest necessity and relief; or repair to any dicing
houses, common bowling alleys, suspect houses or places,
or do haunt and use common games or plays, or behave
'5 themselves otherwise unpriestly and unseemly ?
Article X.
Item, Whether they, or any of them, be familiar, or
keep company, and be conversant vrith any suspect per-
son of evil conversation and living, or erroneous opinion
or doctrine; or be noted to aid, favour and assist the
so same in any wise contrary to the good order of this
realm, and the usage of the catholic church ?
Article XI.
Item, Whether there be dwelling within any your
parishes any priest, foreigner, stranger, or other, who not
presented to the bishop of the diocese, or his officers,
25 examined and admitted by some one of them, doth take
upon him to serve any cure, or to minister any sacra-
ments, or sacramentals within the said parish ?
1S8 Artides ofvitikxtum by Ushop Bcimer. [XXXIII.
Article XII.
Item, Whether there be dwelling within any your
parishes, or repairing thither any priest or other naming
himself minister, which doth not come diligently to the
church to hear the divine service, or sermons there ; but
absenteth himself or discourageth others by his example 5
or words to come unto the same, expressing their name
and surname, with suflScient knowledge of them ?
Article XIII.
Item, Whether there be any married priests, or nam-
ing themselves ministers, that do keep any assemblies
or conventicles with such like, as they are in office or lo
sect, to set forth any doctrine or usage not allowed by the
laws and laudable customs of this realm? or whether
there be any resort of any of them to any place for any
private lectures, sermons, plays, games, or other devices
not expressly in this realm by laws allowed ? 15
Article XIV.
Item, Whether there be any of them, which is a
common brawler, scolder, a sower of discord among his
parishioners, a hawker, a hunter, or spending his time
idly or unthrifbily? or being a fornicator, an adulterer,
a drunkard, a common swearer, or blasphemer of God, *<>
or his saints? or an unruly and evil disposed person? or
that hath come to his benefice or promotion by simony,
unlawful suit, or ungodly means in any ways ?
Article XV.
Item, Whether they, and every of them, to the best
of their powers, at all times have exhorted and stirred n
the people to quietness and concord, and to the obe-
dience of the king and queen's miyesties, and their
1 554-] Articles o/pmUUion hy bishop Bonner. 1S9
officers ; rebuking all sedition and tumult, with all un-
lawful assemblies, moving the people to charity and good
order, and charging the fathers and mothers, masters
and governors of youth to keep good rule, and to instruct
5 them in virtue and goodness to the honour of God, and
of this realm, and to have them occupied in some honest
art and occupation to get their living thereby ?
Article XVI.
Item, Whether they, or any of them do admit any
person to receive the blessed sacrament of the altar, who
loare openly known or suspected to be adversaries and
speakers against the said sacrament, or any other article
of the catholic &ith, or to be a notorious evil person in
his conversation or doctrine, an open oppressor or evil
doer to his neighbour, not being confessed, reconciled,
15 and having made satisfiiction in that behalf?
Article XVII.
Item, Whether they, or any of them have, of their
own authority, admitted and licensed any to preach in
their cure, not being authorized and admitted thereunto,
or have denied or refused such to preach as have been
20 lawfully licensed ? and whether they or any of them
having authority to preach within their cures, doth use
to preach, or at the least doth procure other lavrful or
sufficient persons to do the same according to the order
of this realm ?
Article XVIIT.
25 Item, Whether they or any of them, since the queen's
majesty's proclamation, hath or doth use to say or sing
the divine service, minister the sacraments or sacra-
mentals, or other things, in English contrary to the
order of this realm ?
VOL. I. K
130 Articles o/msitaticm by bishop Bonner. [XXXIII.
Article XIX.
Item, Whether they, or any of them in their suffrages,
collects, and prayers doth use to pray for the king and
queen's majesties, by the names of king Philip and queen
Mary, according to a letter and commandment therein
lawfully given now of late unto them by their ordinary ? 5
Article XX.
Item, Whether they, and every of them have dili-
gently moved and exhorted their parishioners, how and
in what manner children should be baptized in time of
necessity ; and they the said parishioners reverently and
devoutly to prepare themselves to receive and use the 'o
sacraments, especially the sacrament of the altar? and
whether any person have refused or contemned to receive
the said sacrament of the altar, or to be confessed and
receive at the priest's hand the benefit of absolution
according to the laudable custom of this realm? >5
Article XXI.
Item, Whether they, and every of them hath dili-
gently visited his and theu- parishioners in the time of
sickness and need, and ministered sacraments and sacra-
mentals to them accordingly? and whether they have
exhorted and monished them to have due respect to *<>
their souls' health, and also to set an order in their tern-
poral lands and goods, declaring their debts perfectly,
and what is owing unto them; and they so to make
their testaments and last wills, that as much as may be,
all trouble and business may be excluded, their wives >5
and children with their friends may be holpen and suc-
coured, and themselves decently buried and prayed for,
and to have an honest memory and commendations for
their so doing ?
^ 554-1 AHicleg of msitcUion hy bishop Bmner. 131
Article XXII.
Item, Whether they, and every of them have solem-
nized matrimony between any his parishioners, or any
other persons, the bans not before asked three several
Sundays, or holy-days, or without certificate of the said
5 bans from the curate of any other parish, if any of them
be of another parish ? and whether touching the solenmi-
zation and use of this sacrament of matripiony, and also
of all other the sacraments of the church, they have kept
and observed the old and laudable custom of the church
lo without any innovation or alteration in any of the same?
Article XXIII,
Item, WTiether theiy, and every of them upon the
Sunday at the service time doth use to set forth, and to
declare unto the people all such holy-days and fasting
days, as of godly usage and custom hath heretofore
"5 laudably been accustomed to be kept and observed in
the week follo\v1ng and ensuing ? and whether they, and
every of them doth observe and keep themselves the
said holy-days and fasting days ?
Article XXIV.
Item, Whether the parson, or vicar doth repair and
2o maintain his chancel and mansion-house in sufficient re-
paration ? and the same being in decay, whether he doth
bestow yearly the fifth part of his benefice, till such time
as the same be sufficiently repaired ; doing also further
his duty therein, and otherwise as by the law he is
-5 charged and bound in that behalf, distributing and doing
as he is bound by the law ?
Article XXV.
Item, Whether there be any person, that doth serve
any cure, or minister any sacraments, not being priest ?
K 2
182 Articles of visitation by bishop Bonner. [XXXIII.
or if any do take upon them to use the room and oflSce
of the parson, or vicat, or curate of any benefice or spiri-
tual promotion, receiving the fruits thereof, not being
admitted thereunto by the ordinary ?
Article XXVI.
Item, Whether they, and every of them doth go in 5
priestly apparel and habit, having their beards and
crowns shaven? or whether any of them doth go in
laymens' habits and apparel, or otherwise disguise them-
selves, that they cannot easily be discovered or known
from laymen? 10
Article XXVII.
Item, Whether they, or any of them have many pro-
motions and benefices ecclesiastical, cures, secular ser-
vices, yearly pensions, annuities, farms, or other revenues
now in title or possession ; and what the names of them
be, and where they lie, giving all good instruction, and 15
perfect information therein ?
Article XXVIII.
Item, Whether such as have churches or chapels ap-
propriated, or mansions or houses thereto appertaining,
do keep their chancels and houses in good and suflficient
reparation ? and whether they do all things in distribu- 20
tions and alms or otherwise, as by law and good order
they ought to do ?
Article XXIX.*
Item, Whether any such as were ordered schisma-
^ Article XXIX,'] ** It appears both by these and the queen's in-
junctions (see No. XXX. Art. 15.) that they did not pretend to re- «S
ordam those that had been ordained by the new book in king Edward's
time ; but to reconcile them, and add those things that were wanting :
which were the anointing, and giving the priestly vestmentSi with
^554-] Article of visitation hy bishop Bonner. 183
tically, and contrary to the old order and custom of the
catholic church, or being unlawfully and schismatically
married after the late innovation and manner, being not
yet reconciled nor admitted by the ordinary, have cele-
5 brated or said either mass or divine service witliin any
cure or place of this city or diocese ?
Article XXX.
Item, Whether any parson, or vicar, or other having
ecclesiastical promotions, doth set out the same to farm
without consent, knowledge and license of his ordinary,
lo especially for an unreasonable number of years, or with
such conditions, qualities, or manners, that the same is
to the great prejudice of the church, and the incumbent
of the same, and especially of him, that shall succeed
therein ?
Article XXXI.
15 Item, Whether there be any parson, or vicar, curate,
or priest, that occupieth buying and selling as a mer-
chant, or occupieth usury, or layeth out his money for
filthy lucre's sake and gain, to the slander of the priest-
hood ?
Article XXXIL
10 Item, Whether they, or any of them do wear swords,
daggers, or other weapons in times or places not con-
venient or seemly ?
Article XXXIII.
Item, Whether any priest, or ecclesiastical person have
other rites of the Roman pontifical Though they only supplied
25 at this time the defects, which they said were in their former ordina-
tion, yet afterwards when they proceeded to bum them that were in
orders, they went upon the old maxim that orders given in schism
were not valid." Burnet, H. R. voL ii. p. 581.
K 3
134 Articles of visitation hy bishop Bonner, [XXXIII.
reiterated or renewed baptism, which was lawfully done
before ; or invented or followed any new fashion or fomi
contrary to the order of the catholic church ?
Article XXXIV.
Item, Whether the parson, vicar, or curate do (accord-
ing to the law) every quarter in the year upon ones
solemn day or more, that is to wit, upon the Simday or
solemn feast, when the parishioners by the order of the
church do come together, expound and declare by him-
self, or some other suflScient person, unto the people in
the vulgar or common tongue plainly, truly, and fruit- lo
fiiUy the articles of the catholic faith ; the ten command-
ments expressed in the old law ; the two commandments
of the gospel, or new law, that is, of earnest love to God
and to our neighbour ; the seven works of mercy ; the
seven deadly sins, with their offspring, progeny, and 15
issue ; the seven principal virtues ; and the seven sacra-
ments of the church ?
Article XXXV.
Item, Whether that every priest havmg cure, do ad-
monish the women, that are with child within his cure,
to come to confession, and to receive the sacrament, 20
especially when their time draweth nigh, and to have
water in readiness to christen the child, if necessity so
require it ?
Article XXXVI.
Item, Whether stipendiary priests do behave them-
selves discreetly and honestly in all points towards their 35
parson or vicar, giving an oath, and doing according to
the law and ecclesiastical constitutions, ordinances, and
laudable customs in that behalf?
Article XXXVII.
Item, Whether any parson, vicar, or other having any
1554-] -^ mandate of Bonner, bishop of London. 136
ecclesiastical promotion, have made any alienation of
any thing pertaining to their church, benefice, or promo-
tion ; what it is, and what warrant they had so to do ?
y.
XXXIV.
Papae Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi R^. Anglis
JuLii III. 5. Tiio. Crakmer. 23. '554* Mari^ 2.
1 mandate of Bonner, bishop of Londori, to abolish the
scriptures and writings painted upon (lie church walls.
Fox, vol. iii. p. 107. ed. 1641.
T^DMUND, by God's permission bishop of London,
5 to all and every parsons, vicars, clerks, and lettered
within the parish of Hadham, or within the precincts
of our diocese of London, wheresoever being, sendeth
greeting, grace, and benediction.
Because some children of iniquity, given up to carnal
lo desires and novelties, have by many ways enterprized to
banish the ancient manner and order of the church, and
to bring in and establish sects and heresies, taking from
thence the picture of Christ and many things besides,
instituted and observed of ancient time laudably in the
•5 same, placing in the room thereof such things, as in such
a place it behoved them not to do ; and also have pro-
cured as a stay to their heresies (as they thought) certain
scriptures wrongly applied, to be painted upon the church
walls: all which persons tend chiefly to this end, that
20 they might uphold their liberty of the flesh, and mar-
riage of priests, and destroy, as much as lay in them,
the reverend sacrament of the altar; and might extin-
guisli and enervate holy-days, fasting days, and other
laudable discipline of the catholic church, opening a win-
25 dow to all vices, and utterly closing up the way unto
virtue : wherefore we being moved with a Christian
K 4
136 A mandate of Bonner^ bishop of London. [XXXIV.
zeal, judging that the premises are not to be longer suf-
fered, do, for discharge of our duty, commit unto you
jointly and severally, and by the tenour hereof do straitly
charge and command you, that at the receipt hereof,
with all speed convenient you do warn, or cause to be s
warned first, second, and third time, and peremptorily, all
and singular churchwardens and parishioners whosoever,
within our foresaid diocese of London, wheresoever any
such scriptures or paintings have been attempted, that
they abolish and extinguish such manner of scriptures,
so that by no means they be either read or seen ; and
therein to proceed moreover as they shall see good and
laudable in this behalf. And if after the said monition
the said churchwardens and parishioners shall be found
remiss and negligent or culpable, then you jointly and 15
severally shall see the foresaid scriptures to be razed,
abolished, and extinguished forthwith; citing all and
singular those churchwardens and parishioners (whom
we also for the same do cite here by the tenour hereof)
that all and singular the churchwardens and parishioners «<>
being slack and negligent, or culpable therein, shall ap-
pear before us, our vicar general, and principal official,
or our commissary special in our cathedral church of
St» Paul at London, in the consistory there, at the hour
appointed for the same, the sixth day next after their *5
citation, if it be a court day, or else at the next court
day after ensuing, whereas either we or our official or
conmiissary shall sit, there to say and allege for them-
selves some reasonable cause, if they have any, or can
tell of any, why they ought not to be excommunicated, 30
and otherwise punished for such their negligence, slack-
ness and fault ; to say and to allege, and ftirther to do
and receive, as law and reason requireth. And what you
have done in the premises, do you certify us, or our
vicar, principal official, and such our commissary dili-^^
gently and duly in all things, and through all things ; or
^554'] Bishop Bonner s declaration. 137
let him among you thus certify us, which hath taken
upon him to execute this mandate. In witness whereof
we have set our seals to these presents. Dated in the
bishop's palace at London the 25th day of the month
5 of October, in the year of our Lord 1554, and of our
translation the 16.
XXXV.
Papie Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Aiigliae
JuLii 111.5. Tiio. Cranmer. 23. 1554* Marlc 3.
The declaration of the bishop of London to be puhlished to
the lay people of his diocese^ concerning their reconcilia^
lion. — Excusum Londini in sedibus Johan. Cawodi,
typographi regiae majestatis.
Tj^DMUND, by the permission of God byshop of Lon-
don, unto all and singuler the laye people of my
diocesse, do send greetinge in our Saviour Jesu Christe.
10 Whereas this noble realme of England dividinge it self
from the unitie of the catholyke church, and from the
agrement in religion with all other christen realmes hath
bene, besydes many other miseries and plages, which God's
indignation hath powr'd upon it, grevously also vexed,
15 and sore infected with many and sondry sorts of sectes
of hereticks, as Arrians, Anabaptistes, Libertines, Zwin-
glians, Lutheranes, and many other ; all whiche sectes be
most repugnaunt, and contrary one agaynst another, and
all agaynst God's truth and Christ's catholyke fayth:
23 whereupon hath growen such sclaunder to the realme,
such malyce and disagrement among ourselves, the inha-
bitantes therof, such treasons, tumultes, and insurrections
against our prince, such blasphemy, and dishonour unto
God, as no mans tongue or penne is hable to expresse.
138 Bishop Bonner's declaration to the laity [XXXV.
It hath pleased the goodnes of God to cast his eye of
mercye and clemencye upon us, and to move the popes
holynes to send his most godly messenger, the most
reverende father in God, the lorde cardynall Pole legate
de latere, to brynge us the glade tydynges of peace and 5
reconciliation, and to reduce and brynge home unto the
folde, the loste shepe that was gone astraye ; whose mes-
sage as it hath bene honourably receaved of the kinge
and queues majesties, even so the lordes spiritual and
temporal, and commons at the last parliament hath re- 10
ceived it, revoking all lawes (the which in the tyme of
scysme were promulgate agaynst the authority of the
popes holynes) and restoryinge the same, and the church
of Rome to all that power which they had in this realme,
before the sayd scisme; the which reconciliation was also 15
most gladly and joyfully imbraced, as well of all the
clergy and convocation of the province of Canterburye,
as also of many other persons : and being so great and
necessary to be extended to every person of the realme,
it hath pleas'd the sayd lord legates grace to geve, and ^o
impart unto me the sayd bishop of London, for my sayd
diocesse, and to all such as I shall appoint in that behalf,
power and aucthority to absolve and reconcile all and
every person thereof, aswel of the clergy, as .of the laytie,
and aswel men as women, the which wyl renounce theyr 25
errours, and (being penitent) wyl humbly requyre to be
restored to the unitie of the catholyke church, as by the
letters of the sayd lord legates grace sent imto me, and
from me sent unto everyche of the archedeacons vrithin
my diocesse, more at large may, and doth appear. And 30
forasmuch as in mine owne person, aswell for the multi-
tude of people, as distaunce of places, I cannot minister
this benefit unto every prjrvate person my self; and for
that also the holy tyme of lent is now at hand, in whiche
everye true christen man ought to come unto his own as
pastour and curate, to be of hym confessed, and to re-
^554-] of his diocese concerni/ig their reconciliatian. 139
ceave at his hand holsome councell, penaunce, and abso-
lution; these are therefore aswel to geve knowledge
hereof unto every one of you, as also to signifye, and
declare, that for that purpose I have by the sayde auc-
5 thoritie, chosen, named, and deputed, and so by these
presentes do chose, name, and depute all and synguler
pastours, and curates, having cure of soules within my
diocesse, and beynge themselves reconciled herein, that
they and every of them, by aucthoritie hereof, shal have
10 full power and aucthoritie to absolve all such as be laye
persons of theyr paryshes, from heresy and scysme, and
from the censures of the church into the which they be
fallen by occasion thereof; and also to reconcyle unto
the churche all suche, whiche shall declare themselves
'5 penytent, and desyrous to enjoy the benefyt of the sayd
reconciliation. And whereas dyverse pastours and cu-
rates in sondrye paryshes peradventure be not able to
satisfye the myndes, and appeace the consciences of some
of their paryshners in cases that shall trouble them ; I
20 have therefore geven also authoritie to every archedeacon
of my diocesse, within his archedeaconrye, to name and
appoint certeyne of the best learned in everye deanrye of
theyre archedeaconrye, to supply that lacke, so that every
man so troubled, may repayre to any one of them within
25 the said deanrye whom he shall lyke best, to be in-
structed and appeaced in that behalf. And also I have
appoynted, that if this beyng done, there shall yet re-
mayne any scruple in the parties conscience, and hymself
not satisfied, then the sayd partye to repajrre, unto one of
30 myne archedeacons, or chapleyns, unto whom his mynde
shall be moost inclyned unto, or elles to repayre unto
myne own selfe, to be resolv'd- in his sayd scruple or
doute, and to receave and take such ordre therein, as to
one of the sayd archdeacons, or unto me shall therein
35 appeare to be most expedient. Further certifyinge and
declaring unto you, that I have gyven commaundement
140 Bishop Banner's declaration. [XXXV.
herein to all my archedeacons, that they mdiiyshe, and
commaunde every pastour, and curate within their arche-
deaconries, that they havinge knowledge hereof, do in the
fyrst holy day next then foUowynge, at the masse tyme,
when the multitude of people is present, declare all these 5
thinges unto their parisheners, and exhort them that they
esteme this grace accordingly, and reconcile themselves
to the churche before the fyrst sonday after Easter next
ensuyng, which thinge I also do commaunde by the
tenour hereof, with intimation that the sayde tyme beynge 10
once past, and they not so reconciled, every one of them
shall have processe made agaynst him, accordyng to the
canons as the case shal requyre ; for which purpose the
pastours and curates of every paryshe shal be commaund-
ed by their archedeacon to certifye me in wrytinge of »5
every man and womans name that is not so reconcyled.
Further, herewith I do signify and declare unto you, that
our holy father the pope Julias, the third of that name,
lyke a moost tender and naturall father, hearynge of the
retoum and recovery of his prodigall child, this realme of 20
England, hath hymselfe made much joy e and gladnes
hereat, and also all other true christen realmes have done
the lyke. Exhortynge you therefore in our Lord, not to
be unthankfull yourselves, or negligent in this behalfe ;
but diligently to soke for it, joyfully to embrace it, and 25
fruyctfullye to use it; remembrynge withall the moni-
cion and charge which came from me the laste yeare,
concemyng your coming to confession in Lent, and re-
ceaving of the sacrament at Easter, whiche monicion to
all effectis and purposes, I have now here for repeated 30
and renewed, charging you and also all your curates
therwith. And because all our dueties is earnestly and
devoutly to pray for the prosperous estate of our so-
veraignes, the kyng and queue of this realme, I do finally
requyre and pray you as hertely as I can, to pray for as
theyr majesties accordingly, and specially that it may
'554'] BP' B(mri£r8 monition to his curates. 141
please almyghtye God to seude unto her grace a good
tyme, and to make her a glad mother, which cannot be
but unto us all great joye, much comforte, and inesti-
mable profyte. Geven at London the 19th day of the
5 moneth of February, in the yeare of our Lord God, after
the computation of the church of Englande M.d.liv.
and of my translation the 16.
The fourme of absolution to be kepte by the pastores and
curates iti pyvate confessions concerning this reconcili-
lo ation.
Our Lord Jesus Christ absolve you, and by the apo-
stolyke aucthority to me graunted and committed, I ab-
solve you from the sentences of excommunication, and
from all other censures and paynes, into the whiche you
'5 be fallen by reason of heresye, or scisme, or any other-
wyse; and I restore you unto the unitie of our holy
mother the church, and to the commimion of all the
sacraments, dispensyng with you for all manner of irre-
gidaritie. And by the same aucthoritie, I absolve you
^o from all your synnes, in the name of the Father, and of
the Sonne, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
God save the kynge and the queue.
XXXVL
Papae Rom. Archiepinc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Angli»
JuLii 111. 6. Tho. Crakmer. a.v '554* Maria 3.
A monition of Bonner^ bishop of London^ sent down to all
and singular curates of his diocese^ for the certifying of
the names of such as would not come in Lent to confes-
sion, and receiving at Easter. Fox, vol. III. p. 37.
"C^DMUND, by the permission of God bishop of Lon-
don, to all parsons, vicars^ curates, and ministers of
142 Bp. Bonner's monition to hia curates. [XXXVI.
the church within the city and diocese of London sendeth
grace, peace and mercy in our Lord everlasting. Foras-
much as by the order of the ecclesiastical laws and con-
stitutions of this realm, and the laudable usage and cus-
tom of the whole catholic church by many hundred years 5
agone duly and devoutly observed and kept, all faithful
people being of lawfiil age and discretion, are bound once
in the year at least (except reasonable causes excuse
them) to be confessed to their own proper curate, and to
receive the sacrament of the altar with due preparation 10
xand devotion ; and forasmuch also as we be credibly in-
formed, that sundry evil disposed and undevout persons,
given to sensual pleasures and carnal appetites, following
the lust of their body, and neglecting utterly the health
of their souls, do forbear to come to confession according ^5
to the said usage, and to receive the sacrament of the
altar accordingly ; giving thereby pernicious and evil ex-
ample to the younger sort to neglect and contemn the
same : we minding the reformation hereof for our own
discharge, and desirous of good order to be kept, and 20
good example to be given, do will and command you by
virtue thereof, that immediately upon the receipt of this
our commandment, ye and every of you within your
cure and charge, do use all your diligence and dexterity
to declare the same, straitly charging and commanding 15
all your parishioners, being of lawftil age and discretion,
to come before Easter next coming to confession, accord-
ing to the said ordinance and usage, with due preparation
and devotion to receive the said sacrament of the altar ;
and that ye do note the names of all such as be not con- 30
fessed unto you, and do not receive of you the said sacra-
ment : certifying us or our chancellor or commissary
thereof before the 6th day of April next ensuing the
date hereof; that so we knowing thereby, who did not
come to confession and receive the sacrament accordingly, 35
may proceed against them, as being persons culpable,
^554'] Cofistitutmies legatinw Reginaldi Poli. 143
and transgressors of the said ecclesiastical law and usage.
Further also certifying us, our said chancellor, or commis-
sary before the day aforesaid, whether you have your
altars set up, chalices, books, vestments, and all things
5 necessary for mass and the administration of sacraments
and sacramentals ; with procession, and all other divine
service prepared and in readiness, according to the order
of the catholic church, and the virtuous and godly ex-
ample of the queen's majesty : and if ye so have not, ye
lo then with the churchwardens cause the same to be pro-
vided for, signifying by whose fault and negligence the
same want or fault hath proceeded, and generally of the
not coming of your parishioners to church, undue walking,
talking, or using of themselves there unreverently in the
'5 time of divine service, and of all other open faults and
misdemeanours ; not omitting thus to do, and certify as
before, as you will answer upon your peril for the con-
trary. Given at London the 23d of February, in the
year of our Lord mdliv.
20
XXXVII.
Paps Rom. Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christi R^. Angliae
JuLii Til. 6. Tho. Cranmer. 23. i555* MxRiifi 2.
Constitutiones legatince Reginaldi Poli cardinalis, legati
a latere^ archtepiscopi Cantuariensis, Ex MS. Cott.
Cleop. F. 2. fol. 72. Collat. cum MS. Synodal, in
CoUeg. Corp. Christi Cantabrig.
Decretum primum.
/^UONIAM hoc regnum, quod a corpore catholicae
^* ecclesiae separatum erat, jam Dei misericordia ad
Constitutiones legatince] " Cardinal Pole obtained of the queen on
the 2d of November a warrant under the great seal, giving him license
to hold a sjmod. The license he had formerly taken out is made men-
144 ConstUutiones leffatince Beffinaldi Pali. [XXXVII.
ejus unitatem rediit ; ne immemores tanti beneficii vide-
remur, placuit, ut in quibuscunque missarum (praeter-
quam de festo duplici majori) celebrationibus post alias
ejus diei collectas, et infrascripta dicantur. Item, ut
quotannis in quibuscunque hujus regni locis, in die sancti 5
Andreas apostoli, quo die hsec reconciliatio facta est, pro-
cessio solennis celebretur, qua tam insignis beneficii per
universes fideles memoria renovetur ; et inter missarum
solennia in ecclesia, unde processio ducetur, concio ad
populum habeatur, in qua processionis praedictae causa »o
exponatur; et ubi id fieri non possit, is, qui celebravit,
erudiat plebem per homiliam super hoc specialiter eden-
dam.
Decretum secundum.
Quia vero cum obedientia sedis Romanae etiam cano-
nicarum legum usus in hoc regno sublatus fuit, ex eaque 15
re maxima fidei, et morum corruptio subsecuta est;
idcirco statutum est, ut universa sacrorum tam genera-
lium, quam provincialium conciliorum ab ea sede recep-
torum decreta, et Romanorum pontificum constitutiones,
necnon et ecclesiae leges, olim in hoc regno canonice 20
tion of ; and to avoid all ambiguities, which might arise from the laws
or prerogatives of the crown, she authorized him to call that or any
other synod after, and to decree what canons he should think fit : she
also authorized the clergy to meet, consent to, and obey those canons
without any danger of the law. This was thought safe on both sides ; 25
both for the preserving the rights of the crown, and securing the
clergy from being brought within the statute of praemunire, as they
had been upon their acknowledging cardinal Wolsey's legatine power
To this convocation Pole proposed a book he had prepared, which was
afterwards printed with the title of The Reformation of England by the 30
decree of cardinal Pole .... These decrees were all finished, agreed to,
and published by him in February next year . . . and by all them it may
appear how well- tempered this cardinal was." Burnet, H. R. vol. ii.
pp. 651. 654. 655. See also Strype, Cranm. vol. i. p. 528. Ck>llier,
vol. ii. p. 388. Lingard, vol. v. p. 97. 35
^555'^ ConstiMiones Isgatince ReginaMi Poli. 145
editse, in pristinum statum restituantur, et ab universis
ejusdem regni fidelibus respective, et prout ad eos per-
tinet, observentur, et transgressores earum puniantur.
Item, ut in scholis publicis (sicut antea fiebat) jus
5 canonicum doceatur. Item, ut non solum archiepiscopi,
episcopi, decani, et archidiaconi, verum etiam officiates,
et reliqui omnes, ecclesiasticam jurisdictionem habentes,
volumen praesentium decretorum, et eorum, quae bonae
memoriflB Otho et Otbobonus, olim sedis apostolicae in
johoc regno legati, in similibus synodis, et archiepiscopi
Cantuarienses in conciliis provincialibus pro tempore edi-
derunt, habeant. Caeteri vero sacerdotes, quibus animsr
rum cura commissa est, praeter sacrorum bibliorum vete-
ris editionis librum Latine scriptum, et alios libros ad
15 curam animarum exercendam necessaries, easdem etiam
constitutiones habere, et si quid dubii in eis occurrerit,
peritiores consulere, et ex his ea, quae populum nosse
oportet, declarare teneantur ; qui vero hoc non observa-
verit, ordinariorum arbitrio puniatur. Et ne posthae ex
lolibrorum damnatorum lectione populus comimpatur,
damnantur, et anathematizantur omnes, qui sine speciali
apostolicae sedis licentia habent, legunt, imprimunt, dis-
seminant, aut in hoc regnum important libros haereti-
corum, seu alitor de fide suspectos ; et, ut omnibus poenis
25 contra eos latis puniantur, prsecipitur ; placuitque juxta
ultimi Lateranen. concilii statutum, ne quis in hoc regno
librum aliquem seu aliud quodvis scriptum imprimere
audeat, nisi id prius per loci ordinarium, aut per alium
ejus mandate, diligenti examinatione et subscriptione
30 approbatum fuerit ; qui vero contrarium fecerit, pcenis in
eo statute contentis subjaceat. Item, ut universi libri et
traditi(5nes ad fidem et ecclesiasticam disciplinam spec-
tantes, quas sancta Romana ecclesia probsvit et recepit,
seu inposterum probabit et recipiet, quasque cum omni
35 reverentia praesens synodus recipit et amplectitur, ab
VOL. I. L
146 CoiMtituitianes legatinoB Reginaldi Pali, [XXX VII.
omnibus hujus regni fidelibus pari reverentia sub cen-
suris canonicis suscipiantur.
Et ut populus sciat, quam doctrinam sequi et fugere
debeat, placuit recipere omnem earn fidem, quam tenet
ac docet sancta Romana et apostolica ecclesia, omnium 5
ecclesiarum mater et magistra, et ut omnes eam profi-
teantur et teneant ; contraque omnia haeresis adversus
banc sanctam, orthodoxam, et catbolicam fidem, et quic-
quid ab ea recedit et deviat, damnatur et rejicitur; et
omne dogma quod cum ea fide non convenit, hie creden- »<>
dum aut docendum sub anathemate vetatur; et omnes
haeretici, qui aliter tenent et decent, quam eadem Ro-
mana credit ac tenet ecclesia, damnantur et anathemati-
zantur ; et omnes censuras et poenas contra haereticos et
eorum defensores, necnon contra ordinaries et caeteros >5
omnes, ad quos spectat, in extirpandis haeresibus negli-
gentes, a jure vel ab homine latas, ^ecutioni demandari
praecipitur. Et quia contra capitis ecclesiae et sacra-
mentorum doctrinam potissimum hie erratum est, placuit
doctrinam de primatu ecclesiae Romanae, et de septem ^o
sacramentis, quae in concilio generali Florentiae sub Eu-
genie quarto explicata est, huic decreto subjicere. Item,
constitutio bonte memoriae Johannis, archiepiscopi Can-^
tuariensis in concilio provinciali edit|i renovatur; qua
statutum est, ut in qualibet ecclesia parochial! fiat taber- 45
naculum decens et honestum cum sera et clavi, quod in
altum elevatum in medio summi altaris affigatur, si com-
mode fieri potest, alias in commodiori et honorabiliori et
magis summo altari vicino loco, qui haberi posset; in
quo tabemaculo sanctissimum eucharistiae sacramentum 30
custodiatur, non in bursa vel in loculo, sed in pixide
lineo panno mundissimo interius omata, ut sine diminu-
tionis periculo facile reponi et eximi possit, atque ut
ipsum venerabile sacramentum singulis hebdomadis in-
novetur. Ut autem hoc facilius execution! mandetur, 35
^555'] ConstitutioTies legatinw Beginaldi PoU. 147
statutum est, ut ordinarii in suis ecclesiis hujus observa-
tionis initium faciant, et, ut in aliis idem fiat, provideaiit ;
negligentibus per tantam fructuum subtractionem, quanta
huic operi sufficiat, et alia juris remedia ad hoc observan-
5 dum compulsis. Huic constitutioni in honorem corporis
Domini nostri Jesu Christi, et plebis sedificationem placuit
addere, ut perpetuo lampas vel cereus coram sanctissimo
hoc Sacramento ardeat ; ubi vero per paupertatem eccle-
siae id commode fieri non potest, locorum ordinarii cura-
lo bunt, ut alia via, quantum in eis fuerit, hie cultus anti-
quus restituatur.
Item, constitutiones omnes ecclesiasticae tam gene-
rales, quam hujus regni particulares circa custodiam
fontis baptismalis, chrismatis, et olei sancti, et reveren-
15 tem administrationem ipsorum sacramentorum, sub poenis
in eis contentis^ et aliis etiara, si ordinariis placuerit, gra-
vioribus innovantui^ atque ut observentur, mandatum est.
Item statutum est, ut in ecclesiarum dedicationibus, quae
prime die dominico mensis Octobris ubique in hoc regno
aocelebrari mandantur, caeterisque diebus festis, populus
spectaculis, commessationibus, tripudiis, similibusve vani-
tatibus non attendat, sed divinis officiis vacet. Hoc
an tem ut fiat, episcopi ipsi, poenis censurisve adhibitis,
ac seculari brachio, si opus fuerit, invocato, diligenter
25 curabunt.
De residentia, Decretum tertium,
Quoniam ecclesiae reformatio ab hiis, qui aliis pra&sunt,
est inchoanda, et cum potissimum ipsa deformetur, quod
ei non resideant, (a quo abusu reliqua mala provenere,)
30 archiepiscopi et episcopi et caeteri curam animarum ha-
Jbentes, attendentes sibi et universe gregi, in quo Spiritus
Sanctus posuit eos regere ecclesiam Dei, quorum sanguis
de manibus eorum a supremo judice est requirendus, et
praesentiam suam et operas suas debitas illi exhibebunt,
35 et omni negotiorum secularium solicitudine vacui super
l2
148 Canstitutimes legaiinw Beginaldi PoU. [XXXVII.
gregem suum vigilabunt, et in omnibus, secundum apo-
stolum, laborantes ministerium suum implebunt : pro
cujus decreti observatione omnes leges ecclesiasticae tam
generales, quam hujus regni particulares contra non resi-
dentes editae, innovantur, easque inviolabiliter observari 5
mandatur. Et ut contumaces etiam per ipsorum bene-
ficiorum privationem ad residendum compellantur, prae-
cipitur; poterit tamen ordinarius juxta canonem fe. re.
Gregorii decimi papae, et in concilio generali Lugdunen.
editum, dispensare ad tempus super personali residentia, 10
si causa rationabilis et juri consona id exposcet.
Item, cum constet dignitates et alia ecclesiastica officia
in Dei ecclesiis ob id fuisse instituta, ut essent, qui eccle-
siae Dei servirent, et ecclesiasticam disciplinam tanquam
inspectores et moderatores conservarent ; jam vero multa 15
ab bis occupantur, qui dignitatum et officiorum titulos
quidem gerant, ab ecclesiis autem suis cum magno earum
detrimento absint ; ideo statutum est, ut posthac omnes
decani, praepositi, et reliqui dignitates, et officia tam in
cathedralibus, quam coUegiatis ecclesiis obtinentes, nee- 20
non et scholarium coUegiorum praefecti in suis ecclesiis
et collegiis, archidiaconi vero vel in archidiaconatibus vel
in cathedralibus ecclesiis episcoporum arbitrio resideant,
et operam ex officio suo illis debitam per se ipsi prae-
stent. Si quis vero ultra vacationem, sibi ex statutis as
ecclesiae concessam, ab ecclesia, archidiaconatu, vel col-
legio suo abftierit, arctioribus ecclesiarum et collegiorum
statutis et consuetudinibus in suo robore permanentibus,
placuit, ut fructus pro rata temporis absentia amittat,
iique in usum mensae ecclesiae cathedralis, quae ad alen- 30
dos scholares erecta jam fuerit, vel erigetur, convertantur.
Et si longioris absentise ratio ista postulaverit, aliis etiam
juris remediis, usque ad dignitatis ipsius et ecclesiae pri-
vationem inclusive ad residend. compellatur; poterunt
tamen, qui hujusmodi ministeria obtinent, ex rationabili 35
et justa causa, per majorem partem capituli vel coUegii
^555-] Canstitutiones legatince Beginaldi PoU. 149
probata, de licentia ordinariorum ad certum tempus
abesse. Et cum canonicatus et praebendae in ecclesia
idee sint instituti, ut personae, quae ad eos assumuntur,
episcopo assistant, et ut per eos cultus divinus congrue
5 peragatur ; placuit, ut postbac omnes canonici quarum-
cunque ecclesiarum, qui ad personalem residentiam ex
fundatione, statute, vel consuetudine tenentur ad resi-
dend. per subtractionem fructuum ex canonicatibus et
praebendis provenientium, eis pro rata temporis, quo
lo ultra vacationem sibi ex statu t is ecclesiae concessam, sine
licentia superioris ex justa causa concessa, et a majori
parte capituli approbata, abfuerint, compellantur ; hi
autem fructus in praedictae scholarium mensae usum con-
vertendi sunt. Si qui vero sint, qui ex ftindatione, sta-
'5 tuto, vel consuetudine ad residentiam asserunt se non
teneri, statutum est, ut ubi praebendae reditus ad decern
libras quotannis ascendunt, uno saltem, vel, si ad viginti
libras perveniunt, duobus mensibus continuis vel inter-
polatis ampliusve ad arbitrium ordinarii quolibet anno in
2o ecclesia, ad quam praebenda spectat, praesentes sint, et in
habitu per canonicos, qui ibi resident, gestari solito, di-
vinis officiis intersint. Qui secus fecerit, sexta parte
proventus annul illius praebendae multetur, eaque in
usum praedictae mensae convertatur, nisi bujusmodi fruc-
25 tus his, qui divinis intersint, sen aliis piis usibus per
statuta ecclesiae, sen alias legitime sint jam applicati;
quod et in praecedentibus capitibus, ubi de hoc agitur,
placuit observari. Et insuper est adjectum, ut distribu-
tiones quotidianae appellatae, quae ab hiis, qui divinis in*
30 tersunt, tantummodo percipiuntur, ex quantumvis justa
causa, nisi ea talis sit, quae expresse in hoc a jure vel
statutis ecclesiae probetur, nemini qui eisdem divinis non
intersit, concedantur.
Item, ad doles et fraudes toUendas mandatur onmibus
35 locorum ordinariis, ut posthac alicui ecclesiasticae per-
sonae studiorum causa indultum, ut non promoveatur ad
L 3
150 Oongtitutianes legatince BeginaJdi Poli. [XXXVII.
ordines, ad quos alias ratione beneficiorum promo veri
teneretur, et a sua ecclesia absens fructus eonindem be-
neficiorum percipiat, minime concedant, nisi prius exami-
naverint personam, an ad eas disciplinas, quibus vult in-
tendere, sit apta, et an eae disciplinae ecclesiae utiles sint, 5
Et si, omnibus mature perspectis, licentiam concedant,
turn de hujusmodi personam vita et studiis soliciti sint ;
et si eam non honeste vivere, vel in Uteris non proficere
compererint, indultum sibi concessum revocent.
Cum autem pluralitas beneficiorum maxime residen- lo
tiam in eisdem impediat, statutum est, ut quicunque,
cujuscunque ordinis aut dignitatis existat, plura beneficia
ecclesiastica de facto jam obtinet, unicum retineat, et vel
aliud sen alia, quae de jure tenere non potest, intra duo-
rum mensium spatium a praesentium publicatione com- '5
putandorum, in manibus ordinarii sui resignet et dimittat ;
alioquin omnibus ipso &cto sit privatus. Qui vero in-
posterum plura beneficia curam animarum habentia, seu
alias incompatibilia, absque sedis apostolicae dispensatione
per quamcunque viam praeter ilium modum, quem con- 20
stitutio Gregoriana edita in concilio Lugdunen. permittit,
obtinuerit, omnibus etiam, quae jure possidebat, sit ipso
facto privatus. Innovantur etiam omnes pcenae in con-
stitutione felicis recordationis Johannis xxii. quae incipit
" Audistis/' contentae, et quaecunque aliae de jure contra 15
non residentes editae, et ut eae debitae execution! man-
dentur, prcecipitur.
Item, ut ordinarii locorum quoscunque plura beneficia
incompatibilia obtinentes, dispensationes suas exhibere
districte compellant, et alias procedant juxta constitu-30
tionera Gregorii X. in concilio Lugdunen. editam, quae
incipit *• Ordinarii." lidem etiam per idoneorum vica-
riorum deputationem et congruae portionis fructuum as-
signatlonem providebunt, ut animarum cura in eisdem
ecclesiis nullatenus negligatur, et earundem onera con- 35
grue supportentur consueta.
^5550 Consiittiiianes legatincB Beginaldi PoU. 161
De prcedicatioTie vei'bi Dei. Decretum quartum,
Quoniam episcopomm et curatoruin omnium residentia
in ecclesiis suis ad hoc exigitur, ut pastoram fungantur
officio ; statutum est, ut arcliiepiscopi, episcopi, et ca&teri
5 curam animarum babentes, per seipsos praedicandi verbi
Dei munus juxta Cbristi et apostolorum mandatum et
sacrorum canonum norraas exerceant. Quod si aliquando
legitime fuerint impediti, viros idoneos ad id deligant, ut
plebs cibo animarum suarum minime defraudetur. Qui
lo vero boc facere neglexerint, ad ea per superiores suos
compellantur; boc autem officium non modo publice,
sed privatim etiam peragant docendo, admonendo, adbor-
tan do, deterrendo, consolando, prout opus esse cognove-
rint. Nullus autem praedicandi munus exercere praesu-
15 mat, nisi vel ab apostolica sede, vel ab ordinario licentiam
babeat; qui vero secus fecerit, poenis et censuris cano-
nicis subjaceat. Item, episcopi admonebunt, quos ad
praedicandum mittent, de materia et forma, quam in prae-
dicando servare debeant; ut caveant abusus qui in hoc
20 sacrum mysterium verbi divini irrepserunt, ut instituto
populo ad poenitentiam, a qua salutis nostrae initium
sumendum est, contra ea vitia et abusus, qui tum in doc-
trina, tum in moribus tempore schismatis hie maxime
viguerunt, juxta mandatum Domini ad Esaiam prophe-
25 tam " Clament nee cessent annunciare populo Dei soe-
lera eorum:" ubi defuerint concionandi periti rectores
aut vicarii, homilias, ex hujus* synodi mandato con-
* homilias ex hujus'] ..." homilies which were intended to be
published : and among archbishop Parker's papers I find the scheme
30 he [the cardinal] had of them was thus laid. He designed four books
of homilies : the first, of the controverted points, for preserving the
people from error : the second, for the exposition of the Creed and
Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, the salutation of the Virgin,
and the sacraments : the third was to be for the Saints' days, and the
l4
152 ConstitiUumes legaiinw Beginaldi Polu [XXXVII.
scriptas, dominicis et aliis festis diebus legere tene-
buntur.
Episcopi etiam provideant, ut curati pueros parochiae
suae dominicis saltern diebus et aliis festis certa bora ad
ecclesiam vocent, ibique eosdem in primis fidei nidi- 5
mentis et pietate Christiana diligenter instituant ; negli-
gentes in hoc suo arbitrio puniendo.
De vita et honestate clericorum, Decretum quintum.
Exemplum vitae genus est quoddam praedicandi non
minus eflScax, quam per verbum Dei, ideo omnes episcopi 10
et alii ecclesiarum prselati monentur, eisque praecipitur,
ut sobrie, caste, et pie vivant, nee solum a malo sed etiam
ab omni specie mali abstineant, ut eorum personae, domus,
familia, mensa, supellex, modestiae et frugalitatis specu-
lum dici mereantur. Quamobrem usus vestium sen- 15
canim et pretiosamm prohibetur. In mensa qualescunque
convivaB sint, non plusquam tria aut ad summum quatuor
(quod magis inspecta praesentis temporis qualitate indul-
gendo, quam probando conceditur) cibomm genera praeter
fructus et bellaria apponantur. Reliqua meusae condi-20
menta sint lectio sacrorum librorum et pii sermones. A
familiarium et equorum numerosa et superflua multitu-
dine abstineant ; curentque ut domesticorum suorum vita
honesta et probata sit, utque modesto ac decenti vestitu
onmes utantur. De fructibus autem ecclesiasticis quic- «5
quid, deductis necessariis expensis, supererit, in pauperes
Christi et alia pia opera distribuant ; et demum ita se in
omnibus gerant, ut forma gregis ex animo facti merito
videantur.
Haec, quae de vita et moribus episcoporum dicta sunt, 30
Sundays and holy • days of the year, for explaining the epistles and
gospels : and the fourth was concerning virtues and vices, and the
rites and ceremonies of the Church." Burnet, H. R. voL ii. p. 654.
vol. iii. p. 494.
^555'] OoMiiMwMB legaUnm BsffinakH PoU. 1 68
Btotutum est^ ut in reliqnis edain inferioris drdims clerids
observentur ; quod ut fiEU»liu8 executioni mandetur, oura*
bunt ordinariiy ut omnes leges ecclesiastics de vita et hor
nestate clericorum editse obsenrentur. £t ne quis igno*
5 rantiam hac in re praetendere possit^ omnia, quae ad id
magis pertinere iddebuntur, in breye compendium redacta,
ut ad onmium notitiam deducantur, operam dabunt.
Quamvis religiosis professb et dericis in sacris ordinibus
constitutis, uxores habere non liceat» tamen quia multi
lo post emissam professionem yel sacrorum ordinum suscep-
tionem matrimonia (quae potius impudica contubernia
sunt appellanda) de facto contrahere non sunt veriti,
onmia hujusmodi matrimonia de £EU^to contracta repro-
bantur; prflecipiturque omnibus ordinariis, ut hujusmodi
15 personas sic de facto ooiyunctas per censuras ecdesiasticas
8eparent» et contra eos, qui quocunque modo non pa-
nierint, juxta sacrorum canonum reguhis seyere pro-
cedant.
Item placuit, ut quseyis ecclesiastica persona, quae
loaliquod beneficium quantumyis simplex obtinet^ yel in
sacro ordine est constituta, habitum et tonsumm cleri-
cales juxta canonicas sanctiones deferat, et ab omnibus
negotiis secularibus et yilibus exercitiis onmino iftMStinfiat^
et horas canonicas persolyat, et alia, quae ordini suo con*
^5 yeniunt, obseryet ; inobedientes ordinarius per quodcun*
que juris remedium etiam usque ad beneficiorum priya*
tionem inclusiye compellat^ minomm autem ordinum
clerici ab illicitis abstineant exercitiis^ alioquin priyi-*
legiis clericalibus eo ipso priyati aunt.
30 De coUatione ordinum. Decretum SMtum.
Quoniam episcopis nihil magis commendat apostolus
{)ost prsedicationem Verbi, quam manuum impositionem,
ob eamque neglectam maximi abusus. et innumera fere
scandala in ecclesiam irrepserunt ; omnibus locorum ordi-
35 nariis mandatur, ut omni studio et eharitate, statutis a
154 CmaiMumes Ugatincs BeginaMi Pdi. [XXXVII.
jure temporibus, dioecesanus suos, quos idoneos judica->
verint, ordinibus per seipsos, nisi legitime impediti fue-
rint, initient.
Item placuit, ut ordinarii, quibuB dictum est, ^* Nemini
cito manum imposueris," ipsimet examinationi ordinan- 5
dorum cum omni cura et solicitudine intendant, nee ad
alios rejiciant; si vero propter multitudinem ordinan-
dorum aliorum auxilio indigeant, tum eorum opera utan-^
tur, quorum probitatem et diligentiam perspectam ha^
beant ; nee tamen archidiaconi aliive, ad quos hujusmodi lo
munus spectat, excusantur, quominus et ipsi episcopo
assistere debeant.
In examinatione ordinandorum, imprimis fides catho-
lica» tum aetas, mores, vita, eruditio, et affectus spec-
tentur, an sint de legitime matrimonio nati, an in eis ali- 15
quis sit defectuSy quo ab ordinibus de jure repellantur, •
atque inter caetera advertatur, ne fictis aut omentitis
titulis promoveantur.
Et ut haec recte fiant, ordinandi ad sacros ordines
mensibus aliquot ante tempus ordinationis episcopo vo- so
luntatem suam significabimt, ut de illorum statu com-
mode cognoscere possit ; deinde feria quinta prsecedente
diem ordinationis eidem episcopo se prsesentabunt, et
omnium prsedictorum fiat diligens et plena examinatio;
adferant autem omnes de his, quae superius dicta sunt, 25
certa et fide digna testimonia non mode suorum parocho-
rum, sed etiam praeceptorum, aliorumve proborum ho-
minum, qui eos bene noverint.
Item placuit, ut nemo ad sacros ordines admittatur,
nisi paulo ante confessus fuerit idoneo sacerdoti, qui 30
ejus vitae conditionem sedulo scrutatus intelligat, an forte
aliqua irregularitate aiit aliquo alio impedimento teneatur,
ut expediat eum ab ordinibus vel omnino, vel quoad
hujusmodi impedimentum toUatur, abstinere. In mino-
ribus etiam ordinibus ea cura et examinatio adhibeatur, 35
quae cuique ordini suscipiendo necessaria videbitur.
^555*1 ConstUutiones legatincB Begimldi PoK. 155
De provisione beneficiorum ecclesiasticorum. Decretum
septimum.
Cum beneficium non detur nisi propter officium ; ideo
episcopi omnes admonentur, ut omni humano affectu
5 semoto ecclesiastica munera, praesertim ea, quibus ani-
marum cura est annexa, non conferant nisi magis probatis
atque idoneis, quaerentes non quae sua sunt, sed quae
Jesu Christi.
Quoniam vero quod Paulus dixit, "Nemini eitomanum
'o imposueris," potissimura ministrorum ecclesiasticorum
institutionem respicit, episcopi beneficia maxime curam
animarum habentia, nisi habita prius diligenti personarum
inquisitione, nemini conferant.
In his autem, quae praeficiuntur, liaec spectari debent ;
15 sana doctrina, aetatis maturitas, morum gravitas, lite-
rarum scientia, saltern ea quae ad id munus, ad quod as-
sumuntur, est necessaria, ut juxta Pauli doctrinam testi-
monium bonum habeant, utque nullum canonicum impe-
dimentum eis obsistat.
10 Et cum aliquis ad beneficium, quod personalem resi-
dentiam requirit, assumendus est, episcopus provideat an
talis sit, qui et velit et possit in beneficio residere ; nam
si non possit, repellendus est ; sin possit, tum etiam ante-
quam admittatur, promissionem etiam juratam de perso-
25 naliter residendo et officium exequendo, sub poena amis-
sionis beneficii, ab eo recipiat : banc autem promissionem
in vicariorum provisionibus praestari debere juxta provin-
ciales constitutiones declaratum est. Ad episcopos etiam
pertineat a praefectis academiarum et collegiorum scripts
30 habere nomina eorum, qui et moribus et doctrina ad
beneficia obtinenda sint idonei.
Item quoniam multa mala ex diutina ecclesiarum va-
catione oriuntur, admonentur omnes episcopi, ut, quam
citissime possint, ecclesiis vacantibus de idoneis rector!-
35 bus provideant. Durante autem earum vacatione, procu-
156 ConetUutiones legaiifue Begifuddi Fdi. [XXXVII.
rent, ut recte gubementur. Quae vero de episcopis dicta
sunt, haec ad omnes inferiores quacunque ratione confe-
rendi, eligendi, aut praesentandi facultatem habentes ex-
tendentur.
De concessione prabendoi et ecclesice non vacant. Decretum s
octavum.
Cum in fraudem statuti concilii Lateranensis, de non
faciendis dispositionibus nee provisionibus beneficiorum
non vacantium, multi ad benefieia vacatura prsesentandi,
8eu de illis disponendi potestatem in alios transferant, lo
ex quo in hoc regno multa mala provenisse compertum
est; ideo hujusmodi translationes perpetuo fieri prohi-
bentur, et irritae inanesque declarantur ; personae autem
ecclesiasticae, quae in hoc deliquerint, pro ea et altera
vice sint eo jure privatae, et ad superiorem fitcultas dispo- is
nendi devolvatur. Qui vero contra hoc decretum bene-
ficium receperit, is non solum illud ipso jure amittat^ sed
ad alia quaeque obtinenda inhabilis per quinquennmm
omnino sit.
De simonia. Decretum nonum. ^o
Cum detestabile simonise scelus universa jura tam hu-
mana, quam divina vehementer execrentur; ideo omnis
pecuniae datio, fructuum donatio, praediorum ad firmam
seu aflSctum concessio, seu oujuslibet temporalis oom-
modi interpositio, et omne pactum seu promissio in quo- 15
rumlibet beneficiorum adeptione vel circa eam inter-
veniens damnatur ; siquidem beneficia ecclesiastica gratis,
libere, et absque uUa sorde vel conditione concedi et
recipi oporteat ; atque in beneficiis ad hunc modum
adeptis, placuit non modo jus nullum acquiri, sed et 30
fructus, qui percepti fuerint restitui debere: et qui in
hoc deliquerit, ad omnia beneficia ecclesiastica obtinenda
perpetuo inhabilem esse ; et si quis ecclesiastici ordinis
'555*1 CantHiuiionei UgatincB BeginaUU PoU. 157
in beneficiorum dispositionem deliquerit diquo ex prae-
dictis modis, eo ipso infamem esse, et omni disponendi
facultate de eisdem beneficiis ad superiores devolvenda
privari. Laicus vero patronus excommunicationis sen-
5 tentise et aliis ecclesiasticis poenis subjaceat ; mediatoies
autem turn ad omnes actus canonicos inhabiles sint, turn
ad restituend. quicquid inde acceperint, alicui pro loco
postea applicand. compellantur. Mandatur insuper ordi-
nariis, ut ab eo qui praesentatus sibi fnerit, juramentiim
lo infra adnotatum recipiant, et omnes constitntiones contra
simoniacos editee innoventur. Forma autem dicti jurar
menti talis est : Ego N. praesentatus ad beneficium de N.
jure ad haec sacrosancta Dei evangelia» per me corpo-
raliter tacta, quod propter dictiun beneficium obtinend.
15 aut prsesentationem ad idem habend. ac acquirend. neque
ego, neque alia persona vice et nomine meo, nee de con^
sensu aut scientia mea, patrono sen alicui cuicunque
aliquid promissorum nomine aut intuitu promisimus aut
dedimus; nee quicquam ejus rei gratia permutavimus,
10 compensavimus, aut prime datum confirmavimus, apudre
quemquam deposuimus, sen quicquam mutavimus, sen
elocavimus ; priusve mutuatum, conmiodatum, depositnm,
aut elocatum, aut quocunque mode debitum remisimus
sen relaxavimus; nee de sanctuario, gleba, domibos,
n terns, praediis, tenementis, reditibus prsdictae eccleeiadp
fructibusve, decimis, aut oblationibus ejusdem preteritis,
praesentibus, aut futuris, donationem, remissionem, loca-
tionemve promisimus, fecimus aut inivimus ; sen aliquis
nostrum de mandate, scientia, aut consensu meo pro-
aomisit, fecit, aut iniyit. Ita me Deus a^juvet, et haec
sancta Dei evangelia.
Ut res ecclesitB nan alienentur» et benefida eedesiastica non
loceniur. Decreium decimum.
Ut indemnitatibuB eccledarum prospiciatur, statutum
35 est felicis recordationis Paul! papse II. constitutionem de
158 CongtitfUiones UgatintB BeginaJdi Pell [XXXVII.
rebus ecclesiae non alienandis, quae incipit " Ambitiose,"
una cum reliquis ecclesiasticis super eadem re provisio-
nibus editis observandam esse. Item mandatur archi-
episcopis et inferioribus prselatis, et piorum locorum gu-
bematoribus, ut infra sex mensium spatium a prassentium 5
publicatione inventarium onmium bonorum mobilium et
immobilium, jurium et actionum, ac debitorum ad eccle-
sias et pia loca quomodolibet spectant. coram pluribus
fide dignis personis in forma probante conficiant ; quod
inventarium tertio quoque anno et quotiens rector muta- «o
tur, renovetur ; cujus duo fiant publica instrumenta, quo-
rum unum in propria ecclesia sen pio loco, alterum vel
apud metropolitanam, si ad cathedralem, vel apud capitu-
lum, si ad metropolitanam, vel apud episcopum, si ad
inferiorem spectet ecclesiam, perpetuo conservetur. Haec »5
autem inventaria in visitatione dioecesium inspiciantur,
et si quid deperditum reperiatur, curandum erit ut recu-
peretur : excipiantur ab his tamen ea, quae de bonis ante
ab ecclesiis ablatis jam apostolica auctoritate sancita
sunt. «o
Praeterea constitutio bonae memoriae Othonis et Otho-
boni de dignitatibus et officiis ecclesiasticis sive proventi-
bos ex spirituali exercitio provenient. nuUo mode locandis,
8eu ad firmam et affictum dandis innovatur ; ac ne reliqua
beneficia ecclesiastica ultra anni spatium cum uUa invoca- ^5
tionis spe, sine ordinarii consensu, ad firmam concedi
liceat, vetatur.
De pueris edticandu in ecclesiis. Decretum undecimum.
Statutum est, ut singulae hujus regni metropolitanae et
cathedrales ecclesiae certum puerorum numerum, vel semi- 30
narium quoddam pro cujusque proventu et dioecesis mag-
nitudine alere teneantur. In hunc autem numerum non
cooptabuntur, nisi qui annos undecim vel duodecim ad
minimum nati sint, quique pauperes potios parentes, quam
dlvites habeant ; qui bonae indolis 9C apei sint ; qui legere ss
^555] OoMHtuHones bgatinaB BegmaUi PM. VSd
et scribere sciant : erudiendi sunt hii in grammatica, et in
ecclesiastica disciplina diligenter instituendi. Horum dua&
erunt classes ; altera provectiores aetate et doctrina con-
tinebit, qui acolythi sint ; hisque praeter victum et togam
5 annuam, quam liberalem vocant, aliquid etiam mercedii^
constituetur ; in altera juniores erunt» quibus toga tantuln
et mensa dabitur. Incedent autem onmes, utriusque sint
classis, cum tonsura et vestitu clericali, eodemque vivendi
modo utentur, et divinis in ecclesia officiis inservient. Ex
lo acolythorum classe quicunque ad aetatem legitimam per-
venerint, et in moribus literisque profecerint, sacris initia-
buntur ordinibus, et in quocunque ecclesiae ministerio
episcopo et capitulo visum fiierit^ operam suam praesta-
bunt ; bisque pro cujusque merito de beneficio • aliquo
15 providebitur : quorum in locum alii ex inferiori claase
substituentur. Licebit etiam extra hunc numerum aliis
ejusdem civitatis et dioecesis pueris una cum his in gram-
matica et Uteris erudiri, dmnmodo honesti sint, eodemque
vestitu et moribus utantur, qui item in locum clericoruniy
20 qui quocunque mbdo desiderabuntur, substituentur.
Quousque autem certa dos huic operi assignabitur, archi*
episcopi et episcopi omnes fructuum annuorum, quos ex
proventibus episcopatuum suorum percipiunt, deductis
decimis, subsidiis et feudis, quadragesimam partem cum
15 ad ipsos pueros alendos, tum etiam ad mercedem solven-
dam magistris, qui eos in grammatica et ecclesiastica
doctrina et disciplina erudient, in singulos annos pendent.
Quod item ut ab omnibus, qui praebendas vel beneficia
quascuuque ecclesiastica aut jam obtinent, aut posthac
30 obtinebunt, fiat ; statutum est auctoritate scilicet ut ex
fructibus beneficiorum suorum, quae vel singula, vel pluia
simul ad annuum censum viginti librarum ascendant^
partem quadragesimam ad hos ipsos usus in ea diceoesi,
in qua beneficia obtihent, quotannis persolvant. Exigetur
35 autem quadragesima haec pan ab his, qui per episoopum,
decanum et capitulum quibus scholae eura conimittitnr»
160 CanstiMianes legatinoB ReginaMi PoK. [XXXVII.
ad hoc erunt designate Docendi munus nemo inposterum
quovis in loco snscipere audeat, nisi ab ordinario exami-
natuSy probatusque, et de libris, quos legere debet, ante
admonitus fiierit; alioquin excommunicationis pcenam
incurrat, et a docendo per triennium prohibeatur. Ex 5
his veroy qui jam docendi munus exercent, si quis indignus
fide, doctrina, vel moribus reportus fiierit, ejiciatur; sin
dignus, confirmetur.
De visitatione. Decretum duodecimum.
Cum ecclesiarum visitatio ad vitia et abusus toUendos, lo
ac rursus ad bonos mores inducendos, ac legum ecclesias*
ticarum vim et usum retinendum non solum utilis, verum
etiam necessaria sit ; placuit, ut episcopi, et alii locorum
ordinarii dioeceses et loca sibi commissa juxta antiquam
hujus regni consuetudinem, saltern singulis trienniis per '5
seipsos, sin autem legitimo aliquo impedimento detinean-
tur, per idoneos substitutes, juxta formam ab eadem
synodo descriptam, visitent.
Item, archidiaconi partem dioecesis sibi commissam in
hiis, quae ad eos pertinent, secundum eandem formam 20
visitent ; graviora autem, et quae per eos emendari non
possunt, ad episcopos referant ; operam etiam dabunt, ut
ea, quae in visitatione per episcopimi statuta et mandata
sunt, perficiantur, ac de his, quae perfecta fuerint aut non
perfecta, simulque de causis, quae eorum executionem ^5
impediant, episcopum statim admonebunt ; atque ut
iidem archidiaconi officio suo tam in visitationibus quam
caeteris in rebus satisfaciant, constitutiones provinciales
ac bonae memoriae Othonis, et Othoboni, sedis apostolicas
legatorum, hac de re editae innoventur : et illi ejusdem 30
Othoboni, qua cavetur, ne archidiaconi ob crimen mani-
festum a delinquentibus pecunias accipiant, sed illud
digna animadversione puniant, additum est; ut si quis
contra id fecerit, poena dupli ejus, quod acceperit, per
episcopum multetur, eaque pecunia in usum mensae scho- 35
^5550 Artieuli XV. quihxA Cantab. S^c. 161
larium convertatur. Ut autem ecclesiarum prselati offi-
cium correctionis et reformationis libere exercere possint»
constitutionem felicis recordationis Innocentii papae III,
in concilio generali editam, qua statuitur, ut iidem prse-^-
5 lati eorum, qui suae sunt jurisdictionis excessus, appella-
tione postposita, vel consuetudine non obstante, corrigant
et refonnent, innovari placuit, et ab omnibus observari
praecipitur^.
XXXVIII.
Sede Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Anglue
vacante. Tho. Cranmer. 33. >555- Maria 3.
Quindecim artieuli^ quibus academid Cantabrigienses ah
episcopo GardinerOy academice canceUario^ subscribere
jubentur^. Ex MS. C. C. C. Cantab. Misc. P. f. 297.
I. /^REDIMUS et eonfitemur unum Deum verum,
,0 unum, omnipotentem, incorporeum, impartibi-
lem, immensa potentia, sapientia, bonitate, creatorem et
conservatorem rerum omnium visibilium et invisibilium ;
et tres in divinitate distinctas personas, Patrem ingeni-
tum, Filium unigenitum, et Spiritum Sanctum ab utroque
15 ^ Constitutiones haB legatinse quarto post obitom card. Poll anno
Romae prolixius, et si dicere £eis est, accuratius editae sunt sub titulo
" Reformatio Angliae.*' Quia autem MSS. Cotton, et Cantabr. ex-
emplar earum, uti clero Anglicano injunctae erant, continent ; lectiones^
que illarum variantes integrum potius tractatum sibi deposcere videntur,
20 accessiones vel Transalpinas, vel extrasynodales hie omittere placuit.^-^
WiLKINS.
^ Articulos hos episcopus Gardinerus vicecancellario universitatis
Cantabrigiensis transmittit, injungens, ut nemo ad gradum aliquem
academicum admitteretur^ aut suffiragium praestaret in congregations
2^ nisi qui articulis hisce subscriberet. Numerus subscribentium erat 51.
contradicentium duplo major ad lao. fere se extendebat. — Wilkins.
VOL. I. M
1 62 AfiicuU XV. giiXtm [XXXVIIL
procedentem, ejusdem eesentiae^ potential, gloriae, et aeter-
nitatis.
II. Credimus Verbum Dei caraem assumpsisse ex vir-
gine Maria, ita ut duas naturae, divina et humana in
Christi persona inseparabiliter fuerint conjunctae, eundem- 5
que vere passum, crucifixum, mortuum, ad inferos de-
scendisse, et tertia die resurrexisse, atque in caelos ascen-
disse, et ad dexteram Patris sedere.
III. Credimus septem ecclesias esse sacramenta a Deo
instituta ; nempe baptismum, confirmationem, eucha- 10
ristiam, poenitentiam, extremam mictionem, ordinem, et
matrimonium ; per quas Deus invisibiliter confert gratiam,
et operatur nostram salutem sive per bonos, sive per ma-
les ministros.
IV. Credimus baptismum omnibus ad salutem esse 15
necessarium, etiam in£mtibus; peccataque omnia tarn
actualia, quam originalia baptismo toUi et plenarie deleri,
adeo ut, qui rite baptizentur, filii Dei fiant et haeredes
vitae aetemae ; eundemque baptismum nunquam esse ite-
randum. 20
V. Credimus hominem liberum habere arbitrium, quo
potest male, et cum gratia Dei bene agere ; et post peo-
catum admissum, Deo adjuvante, poenitere, et peccatorran
remissionem consequi.
VI. Credimus, quod nee sine fide nee sola fide sinews
poenitentia et proposito vivendi secundum Dei mandata,
aut sine spe et charitate homo possit justificari : eosque
improbamus, qui vel solam fidem sine operibus satis esse
ad salutem aflirmant, aut innovationem vitae et justitiam
inhaerentem inficiantur et negant ; illamque fidei certitu- 30
dinem, quam Lutherani jaetitant, ut quae nee scriptura-
rum testimoniis nitatur, et pietatis et virtutum nervos
elidat, dum pestilentem securitatem in hominum animis
inserit.
VII. Credimus opera bona adultis esse ad salutem 35
necessaria, et cum ex fide et spiiitu charitatis procedunt.
1 555 •] Cantabrigienses mbscrihere jubeniur. 163
ita grata esse Deo, ut eis tanquam justam mercedem
vitam retribuat setemam, illicque iu regno gloriosiorem
eum fore, qui hie pluribus pietatis operibus abundat.
VIII. Credimus in eucharistiae sacramento virtute
5 verbi divini a sacerdote prolati, prsesens esse realiter
naturale Christi corpus, quod de virgine natum est, et
item naturalem illius sanguinem; neque manere jam
amplius substantiam panis et vini, neque ullam aliam
substantiam, quam Christi Dei et hominis ; unde eucha-
10 ristiam sancte a nobis adorari, si^e in missa sive extra
missam certa fide tenemus. In qua missa viyificimi esse
Christi sacrificium tam pro vivis, quam pro mortuis pro-
pitiabile, communionemque sub utraque specie ad salu-
tem necessariam non esse asseveramus ; potestatemque
>5 consecrandi corpus et sanguinem Christi esse concessam
solis sacerdotibus, secimdum ecclesiae catholicae ritum
legitime a Christo ordinatis.
IX. Credimus matrimonium inter christianos legitime
contractum esse indissolubile, qualiscunque fuerit alter
2o conjugum, sive adulter, sive sterilis, sive haereticus.
X. Credimus unam esse in terris catholicam Christi
ecclesiam, eamque visibilem, quae a tempore apostolorum
ad nostram aetatem durans in hiis, quae fidei sunt et
religionis, non potest errare ; haereticisque, schismaticis,
1$ et excommunicatis, et ab hac ecclesiae unitate alienis et
avulsis nuUam superesse salutem ; unumque esse sub
Christo summum pastorem, cui omnes obedire tenentur,
simimamque banc praeposituram divum Petrum, verum
in terris Christi vicarium, et generalem totius Christi
30 familiae pastorem, primum omnium gessisse ; post Pe-
trum vero ex Christi institutione omnes deinceps Roma-
nes pontifices, Petri in cathedra successores.
XI. Sanctos cum Christo agentes nos pie posse et
debere venerari, eosdemque invocare, ut pro nobis orent,
35 atque nostras preces et vota ab illis percipi, et eorum
nos precibus juvari confitemur et agnoscimus.
M 2
164 ArticuU XV. qaibus Cantab. S^e. [XXXVIII.
XII. Reliquias martyrum, et loca in eorum honorem
consecrata pie et religiose a Christianis venerari, et invisi
posse affirmamus ; imaginum quoque usum ferendum, et
hominibus fructuosum esse fatemur,
XIII. Credimus post banc vitam esse purgatorium, in 5
quo animse defunctorum purgantur, poenaque adhuc pec-
catis debita exsolvitur; sanetumque et salubre esse pro
defunctis exorare, nostrasque preces, eleemosynas, jejunia,
et opera alia pia, maxime autem altaris sacrificium illis
multum prodesse persuasissimum habemns. 10
XIV. Credimus pium esse vota Deo vovere, quae ubi
jam facta et expressa fuerint, voventes coram Deo obli-
gare et evangelicae libertati non adversari asserimus.
XV. Detestamur insuper omnes errores Zuinglii,
CEcolompadii, Lutberi, Calvini, Buceri ; et omnia alia n
sive recentium, sive priscorum baerfeticorum adulterina et
pestifera dogmata, quae sane scripturanun intelligentiae^
ortbodoxae fidei, et catbolicae Cbristi emesiae adversantur
et repugnant.
Haec omnia nos credere, et coram Deo sentire profite- «o
mur, bancque nostram fidem manuum nostrarum
subscriptionibus testificamur, contrariamque doctri-
nam detestamur. Anno Domini m.d.lv. prime
Aprilis.
^555') -^ proehmatumfor rettraimuff booh, 4"^. 166
XXXIX.
Pi^MB Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Anglis
Paul. IV. i. Tho. Crakmcr. 33. 1555. Marls 3.
A proclamation set out by the king and queen for th4
restraining of all books and writings tending against
Uie doctrine of the pope and his church. — Fox, vol. iiL
p. 271. ed. M.DCXLI.
VI7HEREAS by the statute made in the second year
of king Henry the Fourth, concerning the re-
pressing of heresies, there is ordained and provided a
great punishment not only for the authors, makers, and
5 writers of books containing wicked doctrine, and errone-
ous and heretical opinions, contrary to the catholic faithi
and determination of the holy church, and likewise for
their fautors and. supporters ; but also for such as shall
have or keep any such books or writings, and not make
10 delivery of them to the ordinary of the diocese, or his
ministers within a certain time limited in the said
statute ; which act or statute being by authority of Par-
liament of late revived, was also openly proclaimed, to
the intent the subjects of the realm upon such procla-
15 mation should the rather eschew the danger and penalty
of the said statute; and as yet nevertheless in most
parts of the realm the same is neglected and little re-
A proclamation set out"] ** There were articles also of enquiry set
forth to the wardens of every company in London, as ' whether they
30 had seen or heard of any of these books which had come from beyond
seas ; namely, from Zurich, Strasburgh, Frankford, Wezel, Embden,
Duisburgh.' This was proclaimed in London June 14. A great oc-
casion of this proclamation and inquisition was, that there came over
into England a book entitled, ' A warning for England,' giving wam-
35 ing to the English of the Spaniards, and discovering certain dose
practices for the recovery of abbey lands.** Strype» Mem. vol. iii«
P. I. p. 418. Cranm. vol. i. p. 6o8.
h3
166 A prodamaUon/or restrainvng books [XXXIX.
garded : the king and queen our sovereign lord and
lady, therefore, &c. straitly charge and command, that
no person or persons of what estate, degree, or condition
soever he or they be, from henceforth presume to bring
or convey, or cause to be brought or conveyed, into this s
reakn any books, writings, or works hereafter mentioned ;
that is to say, any book or books, writings or works
made or set forth by, or in the name of Martin Luther,
or any book or books, writings or works made or set
forth by, or in the name of (Ecolampadius, Zuinglius, '<>
John Calvin, Pomerane, John a Lasco, BuUinger, Bucer,
Melancthon, Bemardinus Ochinus, Erasmus Sarcerius,
Peter Martjrr, Hugh Latimer, Robert Barnes, otherwise
called Friar Barnes, John Bale, otherwise called Friar
Bale, Justus Jonas, John Hooper, Miles Coverdale, ^5
William Tyndall, Tho. Cranmer, late archbishop of Can-
terbury, William Turner, Theodore Basil, otherwise called
Tho. Beacon, John Frith, Roy, and the book commonly
called Hale's Chronicle, or any of them in the Latin
tongue, Dutch tongue, English tongue, Italian tongue, so
or French tongue ; or any other like book, paper, writ-
ing, or work made, printed, or set forth by any other
person or persons, containing false doctrine, contrary and
against the catholic faith, and the doctrine of the ca-
tholic church : and also that no person or persons pre- 25
sume to write, print, utter, sell, read, or keep, or
cause to be written, printed, uttered, or kept, any of the
said books, papers, works, or writings, or any book or
books, written or printed in the Latin or English tongue,
concerning the common service and administration set 30
forth in English, to be used in the churches of this
realm, in the time of king Edward the Sixth, commonly
called the Communion book, or book of common ser-
vice, and ordering of ministers, otherwise called, the
book set forth by authority of parliament, for common 35
prayer and administration of the sacraments, or to be
1555*] ^^ writings against the pope. 167
used in the mother tongue within the church of Eng-
land ; but shall within the space of fifteen days next
after the publication of this proclamation bring or de-
liver, or cause the said books, writings, and works, and
5 every of them, remaining in their custody and keeping,
to be brought and delivered to the ordinary 6f the
diocese, where such books, works, or writings be or re-
main, or to his chancellor or commissaries without fraud,
colour, or deceit, at the said ordinaries' will and dispo-
«o sition to be burnt, or otherwise to be used or ordered by
the said ordinaries, as by the canons or spiritual laws it
is in that case limited and appointed ; upon pain that
every offender contrary to this proclamation shall incur
the danger and penalties contained in the said statute,
15 and as they will avoid their majesties' high indignation
and displeasure, and further answer to their utmost
perils.
And their majesties by this proclamation give full
power and authority to all bishops and ordinaries, and
20 all justices of peace, mayors, sheriffii, bailiff of cities and
towns corporate, and other head officers within this
realm, and the dominions thereof, and expressly com-
mand and will the same and eveiy of them, that they
and every of them, within their several limits and juris-
25 dictions, shall in the default and negligence of the said
subjects, after the said fifi;een days expired, inquire and
search out the said books, writings, and works, and for
this purpose enter into the house or houses, closets, and
secret places of every person of whatsoever degree, being
30 negligent in this behalf, and suspected to keep any such
book, writing, or works contrary to this proclamation ;
and that the said justices, mayors, sheriflfe, bailiffii, and
other head officers above specified, and every of them,
within their said limits and jurisdictions, finding any of
.^5 the said subjects negligent and faulty in this behalf, shall
commit every such offender to ward, there to remain
M 4
168 Writ far burning Cranmer. [XL.
without bail or mainprize, till the same offender or
offenders have received such punishment, as the said
statute doth limit and appoint in this behalf- Given
under our signs manual at our honour of Hamptoncourt
the 18th day of June, the first and second years of our ^
reigns.
XL.
Pftpae Rom. Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Angliae
. Paul. rV. I. Tho. Cranmer. 14. 1555. Maria 3.
King Philip and Queen Marjfs writ for burning of
Cranmer. — Ex Rot. pat. 2. et 8. Phil, et Mar. 2. part,
apud Burnet Hist. Reform, vol. ii. append, p. 300.
Philip and Mary, &c.
^T^O our right trusty Nicholas, archbishop of York,
lord chancellor of England, greeting. We will and
command you, that immediately upon the sight hereof,
and by warrant of the same, ye do cause to be made a ^^
writ for the execution of Thomas Cranmer, late arch-
bishop of Canterbury; and the same so made, to seal
ivith our great seal of England, being in your custody,
according to the tenor and form hereafter following.
Philippus et Maria, Dei gratia, &c. majori et ballivis
civitatis Oxon. salutem. Cum sanctissimus pater noster
Paulus, papa ejusdem nominis quartus, per sententiam
difiinitivam, juris ordine in ea parte requisite in omni-
bus observato, et juxta canonicas sanctiones judicialiter
et difiinitive Thomam Cranmer, nuper Cantuariensem
archiepiscopum, fore haeresiarcham, anathematizatum, et
hsereticum manifestum, propter sues varies nefandos
King Philip and Queen"] Strype, Cranm. vol. i. p. 550. Bomet, H.
R. vol. ii. p. 670. and P. 2, p. 421. Collier, vol. ii. p.. 392.
10
^555'^ ^^ f^^ 6i*nmi^ Cranmer, 169
errores, manifestas et damnabiles haereses, et detestandas
et pessiraas opiniones fidei nostrae catholieae, et univer-
salis ecclesiae determinationi obviantes et repugnantes,
et praedict. Thomam Cranmer multis modis contract.
5 commiss. diet, affirmat. perpetrat. et publice et pertina-
citer tent, et defens. judicavit, declaravit, pronunciavit,
et condemnavit ; et eadem causa idem sanctissimus pater
noster, papa Paulus quartus, judicialiter et diffinitive,
more solito, praedictum Thomam Cranmer a praedicto
lo archiepiscopatu, aliis praelaturis, dignitatibus, officiis, et
beneficiis deprivavit, et abjudicavit, prout cunctam inde
habemus notitiam : cumque etiam reverendus in Christo
pater Edraundus, Londini episcopus, et Thomas, Elien*
episcoplis, auctoritate ejusdem sanctissimi nostri patris
15 papae praedictum Thomam Cranmer ab omni ordine,
gradu, oflScio, et dignitate ecclesiastica, tanquam haeresi-
archam et haereticum manifestum, realiter degradaverunt,
vigore cujus idem Thomas Cranmer in praesenti haereti-
cus et haeresiarcha juste, legitime, et canonice judicatus,
10 condemnatus, et degradatus existit : et cum etiam mater
ecclesia non habet, quod ulterius in hac parte contra tam
putridum et detestabile membrum et haeresiarcham fa-
cial, aut facere debeat ; iidem reverendi patres eundem
Thomam Cranmer daninatum haereticum, et haeresiar-
25 cham, brachiis et potestati nostris secularibus tradide-
runt, commiserunt, et reliquerunt, prout per literas pa-
tentes eorundem reverendorum patrum superinde con-
feet, nobis in cancellaria nostra certificatum est : nos
igitur, ut zelatores justitiae, et fidei catholicae defensores,
30 volentesque ecclesiam sanctam, ac jura et libertates
ejusdem, ac fidem catholicam manutenere et defendere,
hujusmodi haereses et errores ubique, quantum in nobis
est, eradicare et extirpare, et praedictum Thomam haere-
siarcham ac convictum, damnatum et degradatum, ani-
35 madversione condigna punire ; attendentesque hujusmodi
haereticum et haeresiarcham in forma praedicta convic-
170 Articles set forth by eardincU Pole. [XLI.
tiim, damnatum, et degradatum, juxta leges et consue-
tudines regni nostri Angliae in hac parte consuetas, ignis
incendio comburi debere; vobis praecipimus, quod dic-
tum Thomam Cranmer in custodia vestra existent, in
loco publico et aperto, infra libertatem dictae civitatis 5
nostras Oxon. ex causa praedicta, coram populo igni com-
mitti, ac ipsum Thomam Cranmer in eodem igne realiter
comburi fitcietis, in hujusmodi criminis detestationem,
aliorum christianorum exemplum manifestum : et hoc
sub poena et periculo incumbente, ac prout nobis subinde 'o
respondere volueritis, nuUatenus omittatis. Test, nobis-
ipsis apud Westmonasterium yicesimo quarto Februarii,
annis regis et reginae secundo ac tertio.
And this bill, signed with the hand of us the said
queen, shall be your sufficient warrant and discharge for 15
the same.
XLI.
Pftpae Ram. Archiepisc. Caut. Auno Christi R^. Auglias
Pauli IV. 3. Regix. Poli i. 1557. MxRiiS 5.
Articles set forth by cardinal Pole to he inquired in his
ordinary visitation within his diocese of Cant. — Ex
Holinshead Q. M. p. 1162. &c.
Touching the clergy.
THIRST, Whether the divine service in the church at
times, days, and hours be observed, and kept duly,
or no?
II. Item, Whether the parsons, vicars, or curates do 20
comely and decently in their manners and doings behave
themselves, or no ?
Articles set forth] Strype, Mem. vol. iii. P. i. p. 478. Collier,
vol. ii. p. 402.
^557-] Artidee iet foHh hy cardinal Pole. 171
III. Item, Whether tfcey do reverently and duly
minister the sacraments or sacramentals, or no ?
IV. Item, Whether any of the parishioners do die
without ministration of the sacraments through the neg-
5 ligence of their curates, or no ?
V. Item, Whether the said parsons, vicars, or curates
do haunt taverns or alehouses, increasing thereby iniamy,
slander, or no ?
VI. Item, Whether they be diligent in teaching the
10 midwives how to christen children in time of neceseityf
according to the canons of the church, or no ?
VII. Item, Whether they see that the font be comely
kept, and have holy water always ready for children to
be christened ?
15 VIII. Item, If they do keep aU the names of them,
that be reconciled to the duty of the church ?
IX. Item, Whether there be any priests, that late
imlawfuUy had women under pretended marriage, and
hitherto are not reconciled ; and to declare their names
30 and dwelling places ?
X. Item, Whether they do diligently teach their
parishioners the Articles of the fiedth, and the Ten
Conmiandments ?
XL Item, Whether they do decently observe those
25 things, that do concern the service of the church, and
all those things that tend to a good and Christian life^
according to the canons of the church ?
XII. Item, Whether they do devoutly in their
prayers pray for the prosperous estate of the king and
30 queen's majesties ?
XIII. Item, Whether the said parsons and vicars do
sufficiently repair their chancels, rectories, and vicarages,
and do keep and maintain them sufficiently repaired and
amended ?
35 XIV. Item, Whether any of them do preach or teach
172 Articles set forth by cardinal Pole. [XLI.
atiy erroneous doctrine, contrary to the catholic faith,
and unity of the church ?
XV. Item, Whether any of them do say the divine
service, or do minister the sacraments in the English
tongue, contrary to the usual order of the church ? 5
XVI. Item, Whether any of them do suspiciously
keep any women in their houses, or do keep company
with men suspected of heresies, or of evil opinions ?
XVII. Item, Whether any of them, that were under
pretence of lawful matrimony married and now recon- lo
ciled, do privily resort to their pretended wives, or that
the said women do privily resort unto them ?
XVIII. Item, Whether they go decently apparelled,
as it becometh sad, sober, and discreet ministers; and
whether they have their crowns and beards shaven ? '$
XIX. Item, Whether any of them do use any un-
lawful games, as dice, cards, and otherwise, whereby
they grow to slander and evil report ?
XX. Item^ Whether they do keep residence and
hospitality upon their benefices, and do make charitable 20
contributions, according to all the laws ecclesiastical ?
XXI. Item, Whether they do keep the book or re-
gister of christenings, bur)ings, and marriages, with the
names of the godfathers and godmothers ?
Touching the lay people. 25
First, Whether any manner of person, of what state,
degree, or condition soever he be, do hold, maintain, or
affirm any heresies, errors, or erroneous opinions, con-
trary to the laws ecclesiastical, and the unity of the
catholic church? 30
II. Item, Whether any person do hold, affirm, or say,
that in the blessed sacrament of the altar there is not
contained the real and substantial presence of Christ;
1557'] Articles set forth hy cardinal Pole. 17S
or that by any manner of means do contemn and despise
the said blessed sacrament, or do refuse to do reverence
or worship thereunto ?
III. Item, Whether they do contemn or despise by
5 any manner of means any other of the sacraments, rites,
or ceremonies of the church, or do refuse or deny
auricular confession?
IV. Item, Whether any do absent or refrain, without
urgent and lawful impediment, to come to the church,
10 and reverently to hear divine service upon Sundays and
holy-days ?
V. Item, Whether being in the church, they do not
apply themselves to hear divine service, and to be con-
templative in holy prayer, and not to walk, jangle, or
»5 talk in time of the divine service?
VI. Item, Whether any be fornicators, adulterers, or
do commit incest, or be bawds, and receivers of evil
persons, or be vehemently suspected of any of them ?
VII. Item, Whether any do blaspheme, and take the
20 name of God in vain, or be common swearers ?
VIII. Item, Whether any be perjured, or have com-
mitted simony or usury, or do still remain in the same ?
IX. Item, Whether the churches and church-yards
be well and honestly repaired and inclosed ?
25 X. Item, Whether the churches be sufficiently gar-
nished and adorned with all ornaments and books neces-
sary ; and whether they have a rood in their church of
a decent stature, with Mary and John, and an image of
the patron of the same church ?
03 XI. Item, Wliether any do withhold or doth draw
from the church any manner of mooey or goods, or that
do withhold their due and accustomed tithes from their
parsons and vicars ?
XII. Item, Whether any be common drunkards, ri-
35 balds, or men of evil living ; or do exercise any lewd
pastimes, especially in the time of divine service ?
174 Articles set forth by eardmal Poh. [XLI.
XIII. Item, If there be anj that do practise or ex-
ercise any arts of magic or necromancy, or do use or
practise any incantations, sorceries, or witchcraft, or be
vehemently suspected thereof.
XIV. Item, Whether any be married in the degrees 5
of affinity or consanguinity prohibited by the laws of
holy church, or that do marry, the banns not asked, or
do make any privy contracts ?
XV. Item, Whether in the time of Easter last any
were not confessed, or did not receive the blessed sacra- 10
ment of the altar, or did unreverently behave themselves
in the receiving thereof?
XVI. Item, Whether any do keep any secret con-
venticles, preaching lectures, or reading in matters of
religion, contrary to the laws? is
XVII. Item, Whether any do now not duly keep the
&8ting and embering dajrs ?
XVIII. Item, Whether the altars of the church be
consecrated, or no ?
XIX. Item, Whether the sacrament be carried de-10
voutly to them that fall sick, with light, and with a
little sacring bell ?
XX. Item, Whether the conunon schools be well kept,
and that the schoolmasters be diligent in teaching, and
be also catholic and men of good and upright judgment, n
and that they be examined and approved by the ordinary?
XXI. Item, Whether any take upon them to min-
ister the goods of those that be dead, without authority
from the ordinary ?
XXII. Item, Whether the people in every pariah be 30
charitably provided for ?
XXIII. Item, Whether there do bum a lamp, or a
candle before the sacrament ; and if there do not, that
then it be provided for with expedition ?
XXIV. Item, Whether inHuits and children be 35
brought to be confirmed in convenient time ?
^557'] Articles set forth by cardinal Poh. 176
XXV. Item, Whether any do keep or have in their
custody any erroneous or unlawful books ?
XXVI. Item, Whether any do withhold any money
or goods bequeathed to the mending of the highways, or
5 any other charitable deed ?
XXVII. Item, Whether any have put away their
wives, or any wives do withdraw themselves from their
husbands, being not lawfully divorced ?
XXVIII. Item, Whether any do violate or break
lo the Sundays and holy-days, doing their daily labours and
exercises upon the same ?
XXIX. Item, Whether the taverns or alehouses,
upon the Sundays and holy-days, in the time of mass,
matins, and evening-song, do keep open their doors, and
15 do receive people into their houses to drink and eat, and
thereby neglect their duties in coming to church ?
XXX. Item, Whether any have, or do deprave, or
contemn the authority or jurisdiction of the pope's holi-
ness, or the see of Rome ?
20 XXXI. Item, Whether any minstrels, or any other
persons do use to sing any songs against the holy sacra-
ment, or any other rites and ceremonies of the church ?
XXXII. Item, Whether there be any hospitals
within your parishes, and whether the foundations of
n them be duly and truly observed and kept, and whe-
ther the charitable contributions of the same be done
accordingly ?
XXXIII. Item, Whether any goods, plate, jewels, or
possessions be taken away or withholden from the said
30 hospitals, and by whom ?
176 Q. ElizabetK's proclamation to forbid preaehinff. [XLII.
XLII.
Papn Rom. Sede Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Angliae
Pauli IV. 4. vacante. 155S* Elizab. i.
Qtieen Elizabeth's proclamation to forbid preaching^ and
allowing only the reading of the Epistles and Gospels^ 8fc.
in English in the churches. — Strype's Ann. of the
Reform, vol. i. app. p. 3.
By the Queen.
nPHE quenes majesty understanding, that there be
certain persons having in times past the office of
ministry in the church, which now do purpose to use
their former office in preaching and ministery, and partly
have attempted the same ; assembling speciallie in the 5
city of London, in sondry places, great nomber of people;
whereupon riseth amonges the common sort not only un-
fruitful disputes in matters of religion, but also contention
and occasion to break common quiet ; hath therefore ac-
cording to the authority committed to her highness for 10
the quiet govemaunce of all maner her subjects, thought
it necessary to charge and commaimd, like as hereby her
highness doth charge and commaund all maner of her
subjects, as well those, that be called to the ministery in
the church, as all others ; that they do forbear to preach, 15
or teach, or to give audience to any maner of doctrine or
preaching other than to the Gospells and Epistles^com-
monly called The Gospell and Epistle of the day, and to
the Ten Commandments in the vulgar tongue, without
exposition or addition of any maner sense or meaning to 20
be applyed and added; or to use any other manner of
public prayer, rite, or ceremony in the church, but that
Queen Elizabeth's'] Strype, Ann. vol. i. P. i. pp. 59. 77. and P. 2.
p. 391. Burnet, H. R. vol. ii. p. 757.
*SS^'] Q* EUzabeilC 8 proclamation to forbid preaMng. 177
which is already used, and by law received, as the
Common letany used at this present in her majestys
own chappel^ and the Lord's prayer, and the Crede in
English; untill consultation may be had by parliament,
5 by her majesty, and her three estates of this realme, for
the better conciliation and accord of such causes, as at
this present are moved in matters and ceremonies of
religion.
The true advauncement whereof to the due honour of
lo almighty God, the increase of virtue and godliness, with
universal charity and concord amonges her people, her
majesty mooste desjn^th, and meaneth effectually, by all
maner of means possible, to procure uid to restore to this
her realme. Whereunto as her majesty instantly re-
15 quireth all her good, faithful, and loving subjects to be
assenting and ayding with due obedience ; so if any shall
disobediently use themselves to the breach thereof, her
majesty both must and will see the same duely punished,
both for the quality of the offence, and for example to all
10 others neglecting her majesties so reasonable conmiaund-
meut. Yeven at her highness palais of Westminster the
27. day of December, the first year of her miyesties
reigne.
God save the queue.
VOL. I. N
178 Queen EUzabetKs injunctums [XLIII.
XLIII.
Papse Rom. Sede Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Augliae
Pa(7Li IV. 4. vacante. i559- Elizab. i.
Injunctions given by the qtieerCs majesty^ concerning both
the clergy and laity of this realm, published anno Domini
MDLix. being the first year of the reign of our sove^
reign lady queen Elizabeth.
T^HE queen's most royal majesty, by the advice of her
most honourable council, intending the advancement
of the true honour of Almighty God, the suppression of
superstition throughout all her highness's realms and
dominions, and to plant true religion to the extirpation of 5
all hypocrisy, enormities, and abuses, (as to her duty ap-
pertaineth,) doth minister imto her loving subjects these
Injunctions given by] ** Inj unctions for the ordering of matters of
the church and religion were framed and set forth, to the number
of UII, called the Queen's Injunctions, by virtue of her supremacy in 10
causes ecclesiastical as well as civil. . . .Who the compiler or compilers
were I cannot say assuredly, but I make littie doubt they were that
select company of divines at Westminster, who had been employed in
sir Thomas Smith's house in Canon Row about king Edward's Book,
and other church matters; as Cox, Sandys, Grindal, &c. and most 15
probably Parker among the rest, after his coming up to London. And
to this business of the Injunctions I am apt to think Cox had respect in
that passage of his letter to the divine at Worms (see Strype, Ann.
vol. i. P. I. p. 197.), 'that they were then breaking down the popish
hedge, and restoring the Lord's vineyard ; and that they were then in 20
the work : but the harvest was great and the labourers few.' To be
sure in these Injunctions sir William Cecil the secretary had a great
hand ; who, as his office was, after the copy of them was brought to
his hand, reviewed, considered, and worded them according to his
discretion ; as appeareth by a passage in a letter of archbishop Parker 95
to him April 11, 1575. ' Whatsoever the [queen's] ecclesiastical pre-
rogative is, I fear it is not so great as your pen hath given it in the
Injunctions.'" Strype, Ann. vol. i. P. i. p. 235. Burnet, H.R. vol. ii.
p. 794. CoUier, vol. ii. p. 433.
1 559-1 concermng both the dergy and laiig, 179
godly injunctions hereafter following. All which injunc-
tions her highness willeth and commandeth her loving
subjects obediently to receive, uid truly to observe and
keep, every man in their offices, degrees, and states, as
5 they will avoid her highness's displeasure, and pains of
the same hereafter expressed.
I. The first is. That all deans, archdeacons, parsons, vicars,
and all other ecclesiastical persons shall faithfully keep
and observe, and as &r as in them may lie, shall cause to
.0 be observed and kept of other, all and smgular laws and
statutes made for the restoring of the crown, the ancient
jurisdiction over the state ecclesiastical, and abolishing of
all foreign power, repugnant to the same. And further*
more. All ecclesiastical persons having cure of souls, shall,
>5 to the uttermost of their wit, knowledge, and learning,
purely and sincerely, and without any colour or dissimu-
lation, declare, manifest and open four times every year
at the least, in their sermons and other collations^ that
all usurped and foreign power, having no establishment
20 nor ground by the law of God, is, for most just causes,
taken away and abolished ; and that therefore no manner
of obedience and subjection within her highnesses realms
and dominions is due unto any such foreign power. And,
that the queen's power vnithin her realms and dominions
35 is the highest power under God, to whom aU men, within
the same realms and dominions, by God^s law, owe most
loyalty and obedience, afore and above all other powers
and potentates in earth.
/. The first is] This injunction is copied from king Edward's, except
that in this case the reference to foreign jurisdiction is made general ;
30 whereas in king Edward's there is specific mention of " tiie bishop of
Rome, his pretended and usurped power and jurisdiction." In con-
formity with the same plan, the words " from the tyranny of the
bishop of Rome, and all his detestable enormities" which had appeared
in the Litany of both king Edward's Service Books, were omitted on
35 the revision of queen Elizabeth.
N 2
180 Q^em EUzahetVs injunctions [XLIII.
II. Besides this, to the intent that all superstition and
hypocrisy crept into divers men*s hearts, may vanish
away, they shall not set forth or extol the dignity of any
images, relics, or miracles ; but, declaring the abuse of
the same, they shall teach, that all goodness, health and 5
grace ought to be both asked and looked for only of
God, as of the very Author and Giver of the same, and
of none other.
III. Item, That they, the parsons above rehearsed, shall
preach in their churches, and every other cure they have, lo
one sermon every month of the year at the least, veherein
they shall purely and sincerely declare the word of God,
and in the same exhort their hearers to the works of
£uth, as mercy and charity, especially prescribed and
commanded in scripture ; and that the works devised by 15
man's fantasies, besides scripture, (as wandering of pil-
grimages, setting up of candles, praying upon beads, or
such like superstition,) have not only no promise of
reward in scripture for doing of them, but contrariwise
great threatenings and maledictions of God, for that they 20
being things tending to idolatry and superstition, which
of all other offences God Almighty doth most detest and
abhor, for that the same most diminish his honour and
glory.
IV. Item, That they, the parsons above rehearsed, 25
//. relics or miracles;'] After these words in king Edward's In-
junctions were the following : "for any superstition or lucre ; nor
allure the people by any enticements to the pilgrimage of any saint or
image." The practice was discontinued and the prohibition was no
longer required. 30
///. one sermon every month] The sermons required in K. Edward's
time were " one sermon every quarter of the year ;" and the additional
instances given of superstitious practices were " ofiering of money,
candles or tapers, or relics, or images, or kissing or licking of the
same." 35
IV, Item, that they the parsons] This injunction is new, and in the
1559*] caneeminff baih the deirgy and laUy. 181
shall preach m their own persons, once in every quarter
of the year at least, one sermon, being licensed especially
thereunto, as is specified hereafter; or else shidl read
some homily prescribed to be used by the queen's author-
5 ity every Sunday at the least, unless some other preacher
sufficiently licensed, as hereafter, chance to come to the
parish for the same purpose of preaching.
V. Item, That every holy-day through the year, when
they have no sermon, they shall immediately after the
«o Gospel openly and plainly recite to their parishioners in
the pulpit the " Pater noster,** the ** Creed," and « Ten
Commandments,'' in English, to the intent, that the
people may learn the same by heart; exhorting all
parents and householders to teach their children and
15 servants the same, as they are boimd by the law of God
and conscience to do.
VI. Also, That they shall provide within three
months next after this visitation, at the charges of the
parish, one book of the whole Bible of the largest
ao volume in English; and within one twelve months
next after the said visitation, the Paraphrases of Eras-
mus also in English upon the Grospel, and the same
set up in some convenient place within the said church,
that they have cure of, whereas the parishioners may
35 most conmiodiously resort unto the same, and read the
same, out of the time of conmion service. The chaiges
place of one, which reqmred the removal of all images, and the ti^en
or candles usually set before them, but expressly allowed " two lights
upon the high altar before the sacrament, which, for the signification
30 that Christ is the very true light of the world, they shall sufier to re-
main still." It appears however from the Injunctions of the 3rd year
of K. Edward (No. XV.) and the subsequent Injunctions of Bp. Ridley
(No. XXI.) that the permission had in the meantime been wi^n-
drawn.
35 V. Item, That every hofy-dajf\ This is copied from king Edward's
Injunctions.
VI, Also, That they^ Taken without any alteration of importance
from K. Eklward's Injunctions.
' n3
182 Queen MizahetKs injunctions [XLIII.
of the Paraphrases shall be by the parson or proprietary
and parishioners borne by equal portions ; and they shall
discourage no man from the reading any part of the
Bible, either in Latin or in English, but shall rather
exhort every person to read the same with great humility 5
and reverence, as the very lively word of God, and the
especial food of man's soul, which all Christian persons
are bound to embrace, believe and follow, if they look to
be saved ; whereby they may the better know their duties
to God, to their sovereign lady the queen, and their 10
neighbours; ever gently and charitably exhorting them*
and in her majesty's name straitly charging and com-
manding them, that in the reading thereof, no man to
reason or contend, but quietly to hear the reader.
VII. Also, the said ecclesiastical persons shall in no 15
wise at any unlawful time, nor for any other cause, than
for their honest necessities, haunt or resort to any taverns
or alehouses. And after their meats, they shall not give
themselves to drinking or riot, spending their time idly
by day and by night at dice, cards, or tables playing, or ao
any other unlawful game ; but at all times, as they shall
have leisure, they shall hear or read somewhat of the
holy scripture, or shall busy themselves with some other
honest study, or exercise; and that they always do the
things which appertain to honesty, and endeavour to^s
profit the commonwealth; having always in mind that
they ought to excel all other in purity of life, and should
be examples to the people to live well and christianly.
VIII. Also, that they shall admit no man to preach
within any their cures, but such as shall appear unto 30
VIL Also, The said] The same.
VIII, Also, That they] The same ; except that in this Injunction the
queen's visitors are added to those who could grant licenses to preach,
and that the last clause is new. The licenses granted hy the visitors
were objected to by the bishops, and were soon revoked. Sec Strype, 35
Ann. vol. i. P. 1. pp. 318 and 329.
I j 59'] e(meeming hath the dergy amid laity. 18S
them to be sufficiently licensed thereunto by the queen's
majesty, or the archbishop of Canterbury or York, in
either of their provinces, or by the bishop of the diocesei
or by the queen's majesty's visitors. And such as shall
5 be so licensed, they shall gladly receive to declare the
word of God at convenient times, without resistance or
contradiction. And that no other be suffered to preach
out of his own cure or parish, than such as shall be
licensed, as is above expressed.
10 IX. Also, If they do or shall know any man within
their parish or elsewhere, that is a letter of the word of
God to be read in English, or sincerely preached, or of
the execution of these the queen's migesty's injunctions^
or a fautor of any usurped and foreign power, now by the
15 laws of this realm justly rejected and taken away, they
shall detect and present the same to the queen's majesty,
or to her council, or to the ordinary, or to the justice of
the peace next adjoining.
X. Also, That the parson, vicar, or curate, and pa-
30 rishioners of every parish within this realm, shall in their
churches and chapels keep one book of register, wherein
they shall write the day and year of every wedding,
christening, and burial made within their parish for their
time, and so every man succeeding them likewise; and
35 also therein shall write every person's name that shall be
so wedded, christened and buried. And for the safe
keeping of the same book, the parish shall be bound to
provide of their common charges one sure coffer, with
two locks and keys, whereof the one to remain with the
30 parson, vicar, or curate, and the other with the wardens
of every parish church or chapel, wherein the said book
IX. Also, If they] The same ; except that in K. Edward's Injunction
was special mention of " the bishop of Rome's pretended power.*'
X. Also, That the] The same ; except that the penalty at the end
35 was given in K. £d¥rard's Injunctions entirely to the poor of the parish.
N 4
184 Qfieen ElizahetK's infunetians [XLIII.
shall be laid up. Which book they shall every Sunday
take forth, and in the presence of the said wardens, or
one of them, write and record in the same all the wed-
dings, christenings, and burials, made the whole week
before ; and that done, to lay up the book in the said 5
coffer as before : and for every time that the same shall
be omitted, the party that shall be in the fault thereof
shall forfeit to the said church 3^. 4«/., to be employed,
the one half to the poor men's box of that parish, the
other half towards the repairing of the church. 10
XI. Furthermore, because the goods of the church are
called the goods of the poor, and at these days nothing
less seen, than the poor to be sustained with the same ;
all parsons, vicars, pensionaries, prebendaries, and other
beneficed men within this deanery, not being resident 'S
upon their benefices, which may dispend yearly twenty
pounds or above, either within this deanery, or elsewhere,
shall distribute hereafter among their poor parishioners,
or other inhabitants there, in the presence of the church-
wardens, or some other honest man of the parish, the 20
fortieth part of the fruits and revenues of the said bene-
fice; lest they be worthily noted of ingratitude, which
reserving so many parts to themselves, cannot vouchsafe
to impart the fortieth portion thereof among the poor
people of that parish, that is so fruitful and profitable 25
unto them.
XII. And, to the intent that learned men may here-
after spring the more, for the execution of the premises,
every parson, vicar, clerk, or beneficed man within this
deanery, having yearly to dispend in benefices and other .^o
promotions of the church an hundred pounds, shall give
31. 6s, Sd. in exhibition to one scholar in either of the
XI. Furthermore] The same.
XII, And, to the intent] The same ; except that the sum which is
here specially mentioned as 3/. 6s. Sd, is left in K. Edward's Injunc- ^
tions under the general term of " a competent exhibition."
1559*] concerning laik the deryy and Mty. 185
universities ; and for as many c/. more as he may dispend,
to 8o many scholars more shall give like exhibition in the
university of Oxford or Cambridge, or some gramnoAr-
school, which, after they have profited in good learning,
5 may be partners of their patron's cure and chaige, as well
in preaching, as otherwise in executing of their offices, or
may, when time shall be, otherwise profit the common-
weal with their counsel and wisdom.
XIII. Also, that all proprietaries, parsons, vicars and
10 clerks, having churches, chapels, or mansions within
this deanery, shall bestow yearly hereafter upon the
same mansions, or chancels of their churches, being in
decay, the fifth part of that their benefices, till they be
Ailly repaired, and shall always keep and maintain in
15 good estate.
Xiy. Also, That the said parsons, vicars, and clerks,
shall once every quarter of the year read these injunctions
given unto them, openly and deliberately before all their
parishioners at one time, or at two several times in one
30 day ; to the intent, that both they may be the better ad-
monished of their duty, and their said parishioners the
more moved to follow the same for their part.
XV. Also, Forasmuch as by laws established, every
man is bound to pay his tithes, no man shall by colour of
25 duty omitted by their curates, detain their tithes and so
requite one wrong with another, or be his own judge ;
but shall truly pay the same, as hath been accustomed, to
their parsons, ^rs and curates, without any restraint or
diminution ; and such lack and default as they can justly
30 find in their parsons and curates, to call for reformation
thereof at their ordinaries, and other superiors, who, upon
complaint and due proof thereof, shall reform the same
accordingly.
XIIL Also, Tkat aU] The same.
35 XIV. Also, Tkat ik€ $aid] The tune.
XV. Also, Fonuimiek'] Hie aame.
186 Queen ElizahetVs injunctions [XLIII.
XVI. Also, That every parson, vicar, curate, and sti-
pendary priest, being under the degree of a master of art, .
shall provide and have of his own, within three months
after this visitation, the new Testament both in Latin and
in English, with pai^phrases upon the same, conferring the 5
one with the other. And the bishops and other ordinaries
by themselves or their officers, in their synods and visita-
tions, shall examine the said ecclesiastical persons, how
they have profited in the study of holy scripture.
XVII. Also, That the vice of damnable despair may lo
be clearly taken away, and that firm belief and steadfast
hope may be surely conceived of all their parishioners,
being in any danger ; they shall learn and have always in
a readiness such comfortable places and sentences of
scripture, as do set forth the mercy, benefits, and good- «5
ness of almighty God towards all penitent and believing
persons ; that they may at all times when necessity shall
require, promptly comfort their flock with the lively word
of God, which is the only stay of man's conscience.
XVIII. Also, To avoid all contention and strife, which ao
heretofore hath risen among the queen's majesty's sub-
jects in simdry places of her realms and dominions, by
reason of fond courtesy, and challenging of places in the
procession ; and also that they may the more quietly hear
that, which is said or sung to their edifying, they shall 15
XVI, Also, That every'] The same ; except that in K. Edward's
injunctions the degree mentioned is that of Bachelor of Divinity, and
the Paraphrase to be studied is exclusively that of Elrasmus, thereby
shewing the progress which had since been made in learning by the
clergy. 30
XVII, Also, That the vice] Abridged from the corresponding in-
junction of K.Edward; and with this difference, that the expression
which was previously " the damnable vice of despair" is now '* the vice
of damnable despair."
XVIII, Also, To avoid] The same as before ; except that •* commu- 35
nion of the sacrament" is substituted for " high mass," and the last
sentence respecting '* perambulation of parishes" is new.
^559-1 concerning both the clergy and laity. 187
not from henceforth in any parish church at any tune use
any procession about the church or churchyard^ or at any
place ; but immediately before the time of communion of
the sacrament, the priests with other of the quire shall
5 kneel in the midst of the church, and sing or say plainly
and distinctly the Litany, which is set forth in English,
with all the suflBrages following, to the intent the people
may hear and answer; and none other procession or
litany to be had or used, but the said litany in English,
lo adding nothing thereto, but as it is now appointed. And
in cathedral or collegiate churches the same shall be
done in such places, and in such sort, as our commis-
sioners in our visitation shall appoint. And in the time
of the litany, of the common prayer, of the sermon, and
15 when the priest readeth the scripture to the parishioners,
no manner of persons, without a just and urgent cause,
shall use any walking in the church, nor shall depart out
of the church ; and all ringing and knolling of bells shall
be utterly forborne at that time, except one bell at conve-
^onient time to be rung or knolled before the sermon.
But yet for retaining of the perambulation of the circuits
of parishes, they shall once in the year at the time ac-
customed, with the curate and substantial men of the
parish, walk about the parishes, as they were accustomed,
95 and at their return to the church, make their common
prayers.
XIX. Provided, That the curate in their said common
perambulations, used heretofore in the days of rogations,
at certain convenient places shall admonish the people to
30 give thanks to God, in the beholding of God's benefits,
for the increase and abundance of his fruits upon the face
of the earth, with the saying of the 103rd Psalm, " Bene-
dic anima mea," &c. At which time also the same min-
ister shall inculcate these or such sentences: '* Cursed
35 XIX. Provided, Thai the} This is new.
188 Qiieen EUzahetlCs injunctions [XLIII.
be he, which translateth the bounds and doles of his
neighbour." Or such other order of prayers, as shall be
hereafter appointed.
XX. Item, All the queen's faithful and loving subjects
shall from henceforth celebrate and keep their holy-day s
according to God's will and pleasure ; that is, in hearing
the word of God read and taught, in private and public
prayers, in knowledging their offences unto God, and
amendment of the same, in reconciling themselves cha-
ritably to their neighbours, where displeasure hath been, lo
in oftentimes receiving the communion of the very body
and blood of Christ, in visiting of the poor and sick,
using all soberness and godly conversation. Yet not-
withstanding, all parsons, vicars and curates, shall teach
and declare unto their parishioners, that they may with a 15
safe and quiet conscience, after their common prayer in
the time of harvest, labour upon the holy and festival
days, and save that thing which God hath sent ; and if
for any scrupulosity or grudge of conscience, men should
superstitiously abstain from working upon those days, 10
that then they should grievously offend and displease
God.
XXI. Also, Forasmuch as variance and contention is a
thing, that most displeaseth God, and is most contrary
to the blessed commimion of the body and blood of our 25
Saviour Christ, curates shall in no wise admit to the
receiving thereof any of their cure and flock, which be
openly known to live in sin without repentance, or who
hath maliciously and openly contended with his neigh-
bour, unless the same do first charitably and openly re- 30
concile himself again, remitting all rancour and malice,
XX, Item, All the queen's] The same as before; except that a
preamble has been omitted.
XXI, Also, Forasmuch as] The same as before ; except that the
words " which be openly known to live m sm without repentance" are 55
new.
1559*] (xmeeming both the clergy and laUy. 189
whatsoever controversy hath been between them. And
nevertheless, the just titles and rights they may cha-
ritably prosecute before such as have authority to hear
the same.
5 XXII. Also, That they shall instruct and teach in
their cures, that no man ought obstinately and mali-
ciously to break and violate the laudable ceremonies of
the church, conmianded by public authority to be
observed.
lo XXIII. Also, That they shall take away, utterly ex-
tinct, and destroy all shrines, coverings of shrines, all
tables, candlesticks, trindals, and rolls of wax, pictures,
paintings, and all other monuments of feigned miracles,
pilgrimages, idolatry, and superstition, so that there re-
15 main no memory of the same in walls, glass windows,
or elsewhere within their churches and houses; pre-
serving nevertheless, or repairing both the walls and
glass windows; and they shall exhort all their parish-
ioners to do the like within their several houses.
2® XXrV. And, That the churchwardens, at the com-
mon charge of the parishioners, in every church shall
provide a comely and honest pulpit, to be set in a con-
venient place within the same^ and to be there seemly
kept for the preaching of Grod's word.
^s XXV. Also, They shall provide and have within
three months after this visitation, a strong chest with
a hole in the upper part thereof, to be provided at the
cost and charge of the parish, having three keys, whereof
XXII. Also, That they shaH"} The corresponding injunction of long
30 Ekiward condemns not only the " violation of laudable ceremonies/*
but also the superstitious abuse of them, and mentions many instances
of such abuse.
XXIII, and XXIV."] No change of importance.
XXV, Aho, They shall provide] The same as before ; except that
35 the clauses, " or to the poor people of such parishes near, as shall be
thought &c." and " to obits and dirges/' are new.
190 Queen Elizabeth's injimctians [XLIII.
one shall remain with the parson, vicar, or curate, and
the other two in the custody of the churchwardens, or
any other two honest men, to be appointed by the parish
from year to year ; which chest you shall set and fasten
in a most convenient place, to the intent the parish- s
ioners should put into it their oblations and alms for
their poor neighbours. And the parson, vicar and curate
shall diligently from time to time, and especially when
men make their testaments, call upon, exhort, and move
their neighbours to confer and give, as they may well i©
spare, to the said chest : declaring unto them, whereas
heretofore they have been diligent to bestow much sub-
stance, otherwise than God commanded, upon pardons,
pilgrimages, trentals, decking of images, offering of can-
dles, giving to friars, and upon other like blind devo- 15
tions, they ought at this time to be much more ready
to help the poor and needy; knowing that to relieve
the poor is a true worshipping of God, required earnestly
upon pain of everlasting damnation ; and that also what-
soever is given for their comfort, is given to Christ him- 20
self, and so is accepted of him, that he will mercifully
reward the same with everlasting life. The which alms
and devotions of the people the keepers of the keys
shall at all times convenient take out of the chest, and
distribute the same in the presence of the whole parish, «5
or six of them, to be truly and faithfully delivered to
their most needy neighbours ; and if they be provided
for, then to the reparation of highways next adjoining,
or to the poor people of such parishes near, as shall be
thought best to the said keepers of the keys. And also 30
the monies, which riseth of fraternities, guilds, and other
stocks of the church (except by the queen's majesty's
authority it be otherwise appointed) shall be put in the
said chest, and converted to the said use ; and also the
rents of lands, the profit of cattle, and money given or as
bequeathed to obits and dirges, and to the finding of
^559-] concerning both (he clergy avid laity, 191
torches, lights, tapers and lamps, shall be converted to
the said use ; saving that it shall be lawful for them to
bestow part of the said profits upon the reparation of
the said church, if great need require, and whereas the
5 parish is very poor, and not able otherwise to repair the
same.
XXVI. Also, To avoid the detestable sin of simony,
because buying and selling of benefices is execrable be-
fore God, therefore all such persons, as buy any bene-
lo fices, or come to them by fraud or deceit, shall be de-
prived of such benefices, and be made unable at any
time after to receive any other spiritual promotion ; and
such as do sell them, or by any colour do bestow them
for their own gain and profit, shall use their right and
15 title of patronage and presentment for that time, and
the gift thereof for that vacation shall appertain to the
queen's majesty.
XXVII. Also, Because through lack of preachers in
many places of the queen's realms and dominions the
20 people continue in ignorance and blindness, all parsons,
vicars, and curates shall read in their churches every
Sunday one of the homilies, which are and shall be set
forth for the same purpose by the queen's authority, in
such sort, as they shall be appointed to do in the preface
25 of the same.
XXVIII. Item, Whereas many indiscreet persons do
at this day uncharitably contemn and abuse priests and
ministers of the church, because some of them (having
small learning) have of long time favoured fond fancies,
30 rather than God's truth ; yet forasmuch as their office
and function is appointed of God, the queen's majesty
willeth and chargeth all her loving subjects, that from
XXVI. Also, To avoid] The same as before.
XXVII. Also, Because] The same as before,
35 XXVIII. Item, miereas] The same as before.
19^ Qtieen ElizdbetKs injtmctions [XLIII.
henceforth they shall use them charitably and reverently
for their ofRce and ministration sake, and especially such
as labour in the setting forth of God's holy word.
XXIX. Item, Although there be no prohibition by
the word of God, nor any example of the primitive s
church, but that the priests and ministers of the church
may lawfully, for the avoiding of fornication, have an
honest and sober wife, and that for the same purpose
the same was by act of Parliament in the time of our
dear brother king Edward the Sixth made lawful, where- lo
upon a great number of the clergy of this realm were
then married, and so continue ; yet because there hath
grown offence, and some slander to the church by lack
of discreet and sober behaviour in many ministers of the
church, both in choosing of their wives, and indiscreet 15
living with them, the remedy whereof is necessary to be
sought : it is thought therefore very necessary, that no
manner of priest or deacon shall hereafter take to his
wife any manner of woman without the advice and
allowance first had upon good examination by the bishop 20
of the same diocese, and two justices of the peace of the
same shire, dwelling next to the place, where the same
woman hath made her most abode before her marriage ;
nor without the good will of the parents of the said
woman, if she have any living, or two of the next of her n
kinsfolks, or, for lack of knowledge of such, of her
master or mistress, where she serveth. And before she
shall be contracted in any place, he shall make a good
and certain proof thereof to the minister, or to the con-
gregation assembled for that purpose, which shall be 30
upon some holy-day, where divers may be present. And
XXIX. — XXXIII.'] None of these mjunctions are taken from king
Ekiward's, except the 39th, which requires the use of king Henry's
Latin Grammar. Several of them however had been adopted during
the interval. ^
^559'] c(»iceming both the clergy and laity. 198
if any shall do otherwise, that then they shall not be
permitted to minister either the word or the sacraments
of the church, nor shall be capable of any ecclesiastical
benefice. And for the manner of marriages of any
5 bishops, the same shall be allowed and approved by the
metropolitan of the province, and also by such commis-
sioners, as the queen's majesty thereunto shall appoint.
And if any master or dean, or any head of any college
shall purpose to marry, the same shall not be allowed,
I ©but by such to whom the visitation of the same doth
properly belong, who shall in any wise provide that the
same tend not to the hinderance of their house.
XXX. Item, Her majesty being desirous to have the
prelacy and clergy of this realm to be had as well in
15 outward reverence, as otherwise regarded for the wor-
thiness of their ministries, and thinking it necessary to
have them known to the people in all places and assem-
blies, both in the church and without, and thereby to
receive the honour and estimation due to the special
20 messengers and ministers of Almighty God ; willeth and
commandeth, that all archbishops and bishops, and all
other that be called or admitted to preaching or ministry
of the sacraments, or that be admitted into vocation
ecclesiastical, or into any society of learning in either
^5 of the universities, or elsewhere, shall use and wear
such seemly habits, garments, and such square caps, as
were most commonly and orderly received in the latter
year of the reign of king Edward the Sixth ; not thereby
meaning to attribute any holiness or special worthiness
30 to the said garments, but as St. Paul writeth : " Omnia
decenter et secundum ordinem fiant." 1 Cor. 14 cap.
XXXI. Item, That no man shall wilfully and obsti-
nately defend or maintain any heresies, errors, or false
doctrine, contrary to the faith of Christ and his Holy
35 Spirit.
XXXII. Item, That no persons shall use charms, sor-
VOL. I. o
1 94 Quern ElizabdKs injunctions [X LIII .
ceries, enchantments, witchcraft, soothsaying, or any such
like devilish device, nor shall resort at any time to the
same for counsel or help.
XXXIII. Item, That no person shall, neglecting their
oven parish church, resort to any other church in time s
of common prayer or preaching, except it be by the
occasion of some extraordinary sermon in some parish of
the same town.
XXXIV. Item, That no innholders or alehouse
keepers shall use to sell meat or drink in the time of 'o
common prayer, preaching, reading of the homilies or
scriptures.
XXXV. Item, That no persons keep in their houses
any abused images, tables, pictures, paintings, and other
monuments of feigned miracles, pilgrimages, idolatry, and 15
superstition.
XXXVI. Item, That no man shall willingly let or
disturb the preacher in the time of his sermon, or let or
discourage any curate or minister to sing or say the
divine service now set forth ; nor mock or jest at the «o
ministers of such service.
XXXVII. Item, That no man shall talk or reason
of the holy scriptures rashly, or contentiously, nor main-*
tain any false doctrine or error, but shall commune of
the same, when occasion is given, reverently, humbly, «5
and in the fear of God, for his comfort and better
understanding.
XXXVIII. Item, That no man, woman or child, shall
be otherwise busied in the time of the service, than in
quiet attendance to hear, mark, and understand that is 30
read, preached, and ministered.
XXXIX. Item, That every schoolmaster and teacher
shall teach the Grammar set forth by king Henry VIII.
of noble memory, and continued in the time of king
Edward VI., and none other. 35
XXX/X.] Sec No. II.
1559'] concerning bath the clergy and laity. 19lS
XL. Item, That no man shall take upon him to
teach, but such as shall be allowed by the ordinary, and
found meet as well for his learning and dexterity in
teaching, as for sober and honest conversation, and also
5 for right understanding of God's true religion.
XLI. Item, That all teachers of children shall stir
and move them to love and do reverence to God's true
religion now truly set forth by public authority.
XLII. Item, That they shall accustom their scholars
lo reverently to learn such sentences of scriptures, as shall
be most expedient to induce them to all godliness.
XLIII. Item, Forasmuch as in these latter days
many have been made priests, being children, and other-
wise utterly unlearned, so that they could read to say
15 matins or mass ; the ordinaries shall not admit any such
to any cure or spiritual function.
XLIV. Item, Every parson, vicar, and curate, shall
upon every holy-day, and every second Sxmday in the
year, hear and instruct the youth of the parish for half
30 an hour at the least before evening prayer, in the Ten
Commandments, the Articles of the Belief, and the
Lord's Prayer, and diligently examine them, and teach
the Catechism set forth in the book of public prayer.
^XLV. Item, That the ordinary do exhibit imto our
25 visitors their books, or a true copy of the same, contain-
ing the causes, why any person was imprisoned, £amished,
or put to death for religion.
XLVI. Item, That in every parish three or four
discreet men, which tender God's glory, and his true
30 religion, shall be appointed by the ordinaries diligently
to see that all the parishioners duly resort to their
church upon all Sundays and holy-days, and there to
continue the whole time of the godly service ; and* all
such as shall be found slack and negligent in resorting
55 to the church, having no great or ui^nt cause of ab-
sence, they shall straitly call upon them, and after due
oS
196 Queen EUzabetKs injunotiom [XLIII.
admonition if they amend not, they shall denounce them
to the ordinary.
XL VII. Item, That the churchwardens of every pa-
rish shall deliver unto our visitors the inventories of
vestments, copes, and other ornaments, plate, books, 5
and specially of grails, couchers, legends, processionals,
manuals, hymnals, portasses, and such like appertaining
to the church.
XLVIII. Item, That weekly upon Wednesdays and
Fridays, not being holy-days, the curate at the accus- 10
tomed hours of service shall resort to church, and cause
warning to be given to the people by knolling of a bell,
and say the litany and prayers.
XLIX. Item, Because in divers collegiate, and also
some parish churches heretofore there have been livings 15
appointed for the maintenance of men and children to
use singing in the church, by means whereof the laud-
able service of music hath been had in estimation, and
preserved in knowledge ; the queen's majesty neither
meaning in any wise the decay of any thing, that might 90
conveniently tend to the use and continuance of the said
science, neither to have the same in any part so abused
in the church, that thereby the conunon prayer should
be the worse understanded of the hearers, willeth aijd
commandeth, that first no alterations be made of such 35
assignments of living, as heretofore hath been appointed
to the use of singing or music in the church, but that
the same so remain. And that there be a modest and
distinct song so used in all parts of the common prayers
in the church, that the same may be as plainly under- 30
standed, as if it were read without singing; and yet
nevertheless for the comforting of such that delight in
music, it may be permitted, that in the beginning, or
in the end of the common prayers, either at morning or
evening, there may be sung an hymn, or such like song 55
to the praise of Almighty God, in the best sort of
^559'T concerning both tic chrgy €mi laity. 197
melody and mudc that may be conveniently devised,
having respect that the sentence of hymn may be under-
standed and perceived.
L. Item, Because in all alterations, and specially in
5 rites and ceremonies^ there happen discord amongst the
people, and thereupon slanderous words and railings,
whereby charity, the knot of all Christian society, is
loosed ; the queen^s majesty being most desirous of all
other earthly things, that her people should live in
ro charity both towards God and man, and therein abound
in good works, willeth and straitly commandeth all
manner of her subjects to forbear all vain and conten-
tious disputations in matters of religion, and not to use
in despite or rebuke of any person these convicious
15 words, papist or papistical heretic, schismatic or sacra-
mentary, or any such like words of reproach. But if
any manner of person shall deserve the accusation of
any such, that first he be charitably admonished thereof ;
and if that shall not amend him, then to denoxmce the
^o offender to the ordinary, or to some higher power, having
authority to correct the same.
LI. Item, Because there is a great abuse in the
printers of books, which for covetousness chiefly regard
not what they print, so they may have gain, whereby
*s ariseth the great disorder by publication of unfruitful,
vain, and infSBunous books and papers; the queen's
majesty straitly chargeth and conmmndeth, that no
manner of person shall print any manner of book or
paper, of what sort, nature, or in what language soever
^ it be, except the same be first licensed by her majesty
by express words in writing, or by six of her privy
council ; or be perused and licensed by the archbishops
of Canterbury and York, the bishop of London, the
chancellors of both univerrities, the bishop being ordi-
35 nary, and the archdeacon also of Utie place, where any
such shall be printed, or by two of them, whereof the
o3
198 Queen Elizabeth* s infuncthns [XLIII.
ordinary of the place to be always one. And that the
names of such, as shall allow the same, to be added in
the end of every such work, for testimony of the allow-
ance thereof. And because many pamphlets, plays, and
ballads be oftentimes printed, wherein regard would be 6
had, that nothing therein should be either heretical,
seditious, or unseemly for Christian ears; her majesty
likewise commandeth that no manner of person shall
enterprize to print any such, except the same be to him
licensed by such her majesty's commissioners, or three lo
of them, as be appointed in the city of London to hear
imd determine divers causes ecclesiastical, tending to the
execution of certain statutes made the last parliament
for uniformity of order in religion. And if any shall
sell or utter any maimer of books and papers, being not >5
licensed as is abovesaid, that the same party shall be
punished by order of the said commissioners, as to the
quality of the fault shall be thought meet. And touch-
ing all other books of matters of religion, or policy, or
governance, that have been printed, either on this side 20
the seas, or on the other side, because the diversity of
them is great, and that there needeth good consideration
to be had of the particularities thereof, her majesty
referreth the prohibition or remission thereof to the
order, which her said commissioners within the city of »5
London shall take and notify. According to the which
her majesty straitly chargeth and commandeth all
manner of her subjects, and especially the wardens and
'Company of stationers to be obedient.
Provided that these orders do not extend to any pro- 30
fane authors and works in any language, that have been
heretofore commonly received or allowed in any of the
universities and schools, but the same may be printed,
and used as by good order they were accustomed.
LIT. Item, Although Almighty God is all times to 35
be honoured with all manner of reverence that may be
'559'] concerning bath the clergy and laity. 199
devised ; yet of all other times, in time of common
prayer the same is most to be regarded ; therefore it is
to be necessarily received, that in time of the litany,
and all other collects and common supplications to Al-
5 mighty God, all manner of people shall devoutly and
humbly kneel upon their knees and give ear thereunto ;
and that whensoever the name of Jesus shall be in any
lesson, sermon, or otherwise in the church pronounced,
due reverence be made of all persons young and old,
lo with lowness of courtesy, and uncovering of heads of the
menkind, as thereunto doth necessarily belong, and here-
tofore hath been accustomed.
LIII. Item, That all ministers and readers of public
prayers, chapters, and homilies shall be charged to read
15 leisurely, plainly, and distinctly ; and also such, as are
but mean readers, shall peruse over before, once or twice
the chapters, and homilies, to the intent they may read
to the better understanding of the people, the more
encouragement to godliness.
ao An admonition to simple men deceived hy malicious.
The queen's majesty being informed, that in certain
An admonition'] Strype, Ann. vol. i. P. i . p. 336. Cdlier, vol. ii.
P* 433* " "^8 admonition may be reckoned in the nature of a con-
temporaneous exposition of a law, as restraining the royal supremacy
25 which was established by the act i. EUiz. c. i. and was asserted in the
oath required by it . . . It was afterwards given in one of the 39 Articles,
which having been confirmed by parliament, it is undoubtedly to be
reckoned the true sense of the oath .... I conceive that it was intended
not only to relieve the scruples of Catholics, but of those who had
30 imbibed from the school of Calvin an apprehension of what is some-
times, though rather improperly, called Erastianism, the merging of all
spiritual powers, even those of ordination and of preaching, in thfiu
paramount authority of the state ; towards which the despotism of
Henry, and obsequiousness of Cranmer, had seemed to bring the
35 Church of England." Hallam, Const. Hist. vol. i. p. 120. ed. 4to.
1817.
o 4
SOO Queen ElizabetKi injfimctiom [XIJII.
places of the realm, sundry of her native subjects, being
called to ecclesiastical ministry of the church, be by
sinister persuasion, and perverse construction induced to
find some scruple in the form of an oath, which by an
act of the last parliament is prescribed to be required of 5
divers persons, for their recognition of their allegiance to
her majesty, which certainly never was ever meant, nor
by any equity of words or good sense can be thereof
gathered ; would that all her loving subjects should
understand, that nothing was, is, or shall be meant, or lo
intended by the same oath to have any other duty, alle-
giance, or bond required by the same oath, than was
acknowledged to be due to the most noble kings of
famous memory, king Henry the Eighth, her majesty's
father, or king Edward the Sixth, her majesty's brother, h
And further her majesty forbiddeth all manner her
subjects to give ear or credit to such perverse and ma-
licious persons, which most sinisterly and maliciously
labour to notify to her loving subjects, how by words of
the said oath it may be collected, that the kings or 20
queens of this realm, possessors of the crown, may chal-
lenge authority and power of ministry of divine service
in the church; wherein her said subjects be much abused
by such evil disposed pei-sons. For certainly her majesty
neither doth, nor ever will challenge any authority, than «5
that was challenged and lately used by the said noble
kings of famous memory, king Henry the Eighth, and
king Edward the Sixth, which is, and was of ancient
time due to the imperial crown of this realm ; that is,
under God to have the sovereignty and rule over all 30
manner of persons bom vdthin these her realms, domi-
nions and countries, of what estate, either ecclesiastical
or temporal, soever they be, so as no other foreign power
shall or ought to have any superiority over them. And
if any person, that hath conceived any other sense of the is
form of the said oath, shall accept the same oath with
1559*1 ameemmg ftoA M^ elergf and laUjf. WSt
this interpretation, sense, or meaning; her Huyesty is
well pleased to accept every such in that behalf as ber
good and obedient subjects, and shall acquit them of all
manner of penalties contained in the said act against
5 such, as shall peremptorily or obstinately take the same
oath.
Far tables in the church.
Whereas her majesty understandeth, that in many and
sundry parts of the realm the altars of the churches be
10 removed, and tables placed for the administration of the
holy sacrament, according to the form of the lavr thaie^
fore provided ; and in some other places, the altars be
not yet removed, upon opinion conceived of some other
order therein to be taken by her majesty's visitors ; ii
>5 the order whereof, saving for an unifarmity, there seemeth
no matter of great moment, so that the sacrament be
duly and reverently ministered; yet for observation of
one uniformity through the whole reahn, and for the
better imitation of the law in that behalf, it is ordered*
20 that no altar be taken down, but by oversight of tiie
curate of the church, and the churchwardens, or one of
them at the least, wherein no riotous or disordered man-
ner be used. And that the holy table in every church
be decently made, and set in the place, where the altar
2$ stood, and there commonly covered, as thereto belongeth.
For tables] Strype, Ann. vol. i. P. i. p. 237, '' This ordsr tot tte
table and the bread was ocoaaioned from the variety used in bofii for
some time, until these injunctions came forth. F<nr indeed in the be-
ginning of the queen's reign the proteslants were nmdi divided in their
30 opinion and practice abont them ; whioh was the cause of some dis-
turbance. And the pi^pists made their advantage of it; laying to Hie
charge of the protestants their mutability and incoostanoy. Thus did
Thonms Dorman in his book called 'A Fh>of/'' &c. Strype, Ann.
vol. i. P. I. p. 242. Comp. OoQier, voL ii. p. 433.
202 Qt/mn Elizabeth's injunctions [XLIII.
and as shall be appointed by the visitors, and so to stand,
saving when the communion of the sacrament is to be
distributed ; at which time the same shall be so placed
in good sort within the chancel, as whereby the minister
may be more conveniently heard of the communicants 5
in his prayer and ministration, and the communicants
also more conveniently, and in more number communi-
cate with the said minister. And after the commimion
done, from time to time the same holy table to be placed
where it stood before. lo
Item, Where also it was in the time of king Edward
the Sixth used to have the sacramental bread of com-
mon fine bread ; it is ordered for the more reverence to
be given to these holy mysteries, being the sacraments
of the body and blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ, that >5
the said sacramental bread be made and formed plain,
without any figure thereupon, of the same fineness and
iashion round, though somewhat bigger in compass and
thickness, as the usual bread and water, heretofore
named singing cakes, which served for the use of the «o
private mass.
The form of bidding the prayers to be tised generally in
thi^ uniform sort.
Ye shall pray for Christ's holy catholic church, that is
The form of bidding] This differs greatly from the corresponding «5
form of K. Edward ; more especially in substituting the title *' supreme
governor of this realm" for *' supreme head immediately under God,"
and in ordering *' praise" instead of '* prayer" for those " that are
departed out of this life in the faith of Christ." It is retained and
repeated with very slight alterations in the Canons of 1603. The 30
objection of queen Elizabeth to the title " supreme head" was first
suggested to her by Lever, (Burnet, H. R. vol. ii. P. 2. p. 465,) and
is stated by Jewel in a letter to Bullinger (dated 2 2d May, 1559) in
the following words : ** Regina non vult appellari aut scribi ' caput
^5590 concerning both the clergy and laity. 203
for the whole congregation of Christian people dispersed
throughout the whole world, and especially for the
church of England and Ireland. And herein I require
you most specially to pray for the queen's most excellent
5 majesty, our sovereign lady Elizabeth, queen of England,
France, and Ireland, defender of the faith, and supreme
governor of this realm as well in causes ecclesiastical, as
tem])oral. You shall also pray for the ministers of
God's holy word and sacraments, as well archbishops
10 and bishops, as other pastors and curates. You shall
also pray for the queen's most honourable council, and
for all the nobility of this realm, that all and every of
these in their calling, may serve truly and painfully to
the glory of God, and edifying of his people, remember-
»5 ing the account that they must make. Also ye shall
pray for the whole commons of this realm, that they may
live in true faith and fear of God, in humble obedience
and brotherly charity one to another. Finally, let us
praise God for all those that are departed out of this
20 life in the faith of Christ, and pray unto God, that we
may have grace for to direct our lives after their good
example, that after this life, we with them may be made
])artakers of the glorious resurrection in the life ever-
lasting.
25 And this done, shexo the holy-days^ and fasting days.
All and singular which injunctions the queen's majesty
^cclesiae Anglicanae.* Graviter enim respondit» illaxn dignitatem soli
attributam esse Christo, nemini autem mortali con venire. Deinde, illos
titulos ita foede ab Antichrist© contaminatos esse, ut jam non possint
30 amplius satis pie a quoquam usurpari." Strype, Ann. vol. i. P. 2. p. 490.
The same account was given by Parkhurst in a letter to Bollinger,
May 21, 1559. Hess. Catal. vol. ii. p. 117. Comp. Burnet, H. R.
vol. ii. p. 772. The subject of "prayers for the dead" has been con-
sidered under (No. II.) king Edward's Injunctions.
,^5 All and singular which injunctions] The archbishop and bishops after-
204 Quern ElizabMi if^unOiom [XUII.
minist^^th unto her clergy, and to all other her loTing
subjects, straitly charging and commanding them to ob«
wards drew up " Interpretations and further Considerations" of tliese
injunctions for the better direction of the clergy, which are preserved
in archbishop Parker's papers (vol. entit. S3modalia) at Cambridge, 5
and are published by Strype, as follows :
To the third injunction the mterpretation is,
" That if the person be able, he shaU preach in his own person
every month ; or else shall preach by another, so that his absence be
approved by the ordinary of the diocese, in respect of sickness, service, lo
or study at the universities. Nevertheless, for want of able preachers
and persons, to tolerate them without penalty, so they preach in their
own persons, or by a learned substitute, once in every three months of
the year,"
Item, To the eighth, "That no visitors' licenses to preach be con- 15
tinned in force."
Item, That to the sixteenth article be added, "That at the arch-
deacon's visitation, the archdeacons shall appoint the curates to certain
texts of the New Testament to be conned without book ; and at their
next synod to exact a rehearsal of them." 20
To the nineteenth, " That in the procession [in Rogation week] they
sing or say the two psalms beginning Benedic, anima mea, Domino,
with the litany and suffrages thereto, with some sermon, or a homily
of thanksgiving to Grod ; and moving to temperancy in their drink-
ings." 25
To the twentieth. Item, " That on Sundays there be no shops open,
nor artificers going about their affairs worldly : and that all fairs and
common marts falling upon the Sunday, there be no shewing of any
wares before the service be done."
Item, " That there be some long » Catechism devised and printed, for 30
the erudition of simple curates : homilies to be made of those argu- .
ments which be shewed in the book of homilies ; or others of some
convenient arguments, as of the sacrifice of the mass, of the common
prayer to be in English, that every particular church may alter and
change the public rites and ceremonies of their church, keeping the 35
substance of the faith inviolably, with such like. And that these be
divided to be made by the bishops ; every bishop two, and the bishop
of London to have four."
A In distinction to the short Catechism in the Common Prayer Book.
'559*1 conceminig both tk^ dtryjf wni Imfy. SMS
serve and keep the same upon pain of depiivafciQiiv
sequestration of fruits and benefices, suspension, ezooni*
Item, " That 'all bidiope and others, having any living eockaastioal,
shall go in apparel agreeable ; or else, within two monitions grvea by
5 the ordinary, to be deposed or sequestered from his fruits, aooordmg to
the discretion of his said ordinary, or his lawfrd deputy."
Item, " That such as be for their wilfulness deprived in this neces-
sity of mimsters, shall be called by the discretion of the ordinary to
minister some cure upon reasonable wages ; else to be ordered accord-
lo ing to the laws."
Item, " That incorrigible Arians, Pelagians, or Free-will-men, be
sent into some one castle in North Wales, or WaHiDgfbrd ; and there
to live of their own labour and exerdse : and none other be s u£ RBred
to resort unto them but their keepers, until they be found to repent
15 their errors."
Item, " That public teachers of grammar be neither offioefB in cities
or towns ; or farmers, or otherwise encumbered worldly, to the let of
their labours."
Item, " That young priests or ministers made or to be made, be so
20 instructed, that they be able to make answers acoordiiig to the form of
some catechism to be prescribed : and that readers neitlier serve in any
cure, nor where is any incumbent."
Item, " That the churchwardens onoe in the numth dcdsre by thenr
curates, in bills subscribed with their hands, to the ordinary, or to tbe
15 next officer under him, who they be which will not resdily pay dieir
penalties for not coming to God's divine service according to tbe
statutes."
Coneeminff the hook of%enic$.
First, " That there be used only but one appwrd ; as the cope in the
so ministration of the^Lord's supper, and the surpEce in all other mfad-
strations : and that there be no other maimer and form <^ ministering
the sacraments, but as the service book doth precisely prescribe, with
the declaration of the Injunctions; as for example, the common
bread."
35 Item, " That the table be removed out of the choir into the body of
the church, before the chancel door ; where either the choir seemeth
to be too little, or at great feasts of receivings. And at the end of tte
communion to be set up again, according to tiie Iijiinctions.*
Item, '* That there be no other holy-days observed besides the Sim-
206 Queen ElizahetlCs injimctiom [XLIII.
munication, and such other correction, as to ordinaries,
or other having ecclesiastical jurisdiction, whom her ma-
days, but only such as be set out ^ in the act of king Edward, an. 5
et 6, cap. 3."
Item,*'* That the ministers receiving the communion at the hands of 5
the executor be placed kneeling next to the table."
Item, " That the communion bread be thicker and broader than it is
now commonly used."
Item, *' That private baptism in necessity, as in peril of death, be
ministered either by the curate, deacon, or reader, or some other grave 10
and sober man, if the time will suffer."
Item, ** That children be not admitted to the communion before the
age of twelve or thirteen years, of good discretion, and well instructed
before."
Concerning burials, christenings, admission of ministers, S^c, 15
Item, " That when any Christen body is passing, the bell be tolled;
and the curate be especially called for, to comfort the sick person.
And after the time of his passing, to ring no more but one short peal ;
and one before the burial, and another short peal after the burial."
Item, " To avoid contention, let the curate have the value of the 10
chrisom ; not under the value of four-pence, and above as they can
agree, and as the state of the parents may require."
Item, " That ministers being not learned in the Latin tongue, if they
be well exercised in the scriptures, and well testified of for their Hves
and conversations, and of their wives, to be tolerated in the office of ^5
deacons ; and after a good time of experience to admit them to the
order of priesthood. And of such as be skilled in the Latin tongue, to
have good examination of their competent knowledge in the principal
articles of the faith, and of some competent matter to comfort the sick
and weak in conscience, [ere they be admitted to higher orders."] 30
Item, ** Against the day of ordering appointed, to give open recogni-
zations to all men, to except against such whom they know to be not
worthy, either for life or conversation. And there to give notice, that
lione shaU sue for orders but within their own diocese, where they were
bom, or had there long time of dwelling ; and that by the testimony of 35
their ordinaries ; except of such as be degreed in the universities."
^ Those words in italic were inserted by archbishop Parker*s hand, instead of
these words crossed through, viz. in the calendar qfthe service hook, trith two day*
following the feasts of Easter and Pentecost.
^559-] concerning both the clergy and laity, 207
jesty hath appointed, or shall appoint for the due execu-
tion of the same, shall be seen convenient ; charging and
Item, ** That canonical impediments be still observed to respect
them which sue to be ordered, except they have decency agreeable to
5 the same."
Item, " That ministers or readers of service remove not from the
diocese or cure where they first began, and were admitted by the ordi-
nary' ; except they bring letters testimonial of their removing, allowed
by the ordinary."
lo Item, '* Suit to be made to the queen's majesty for reformation of
pensions imposed."
Item, '* That the order of the articles prescribed to ministers be in-
serted in this form, ut infra.**
Item, " Tliat one brief form of declaration be made, setting out the
15 principal articles of our rehgion; the rather, for the unity of doctrine
in the whole realm : especially to be spoken by the parsons, curates, or
both, at their first entry ; and after, twice in the year, for avoiding all
doubt and suspicion of varying from the doctrine determined in the
realm."
20 Item, '* That the bishops do call home once in the year any pre-
bendary in their church which studieth in the universities, to know
how he profiteth in learning; and that he be not suffered to be a
serving or waiting-man dissolutely ; or else to sequester the fruits of
his living."
2- Matrimony,
'* For the banns asking, forasmuch as the statute of faculties doth
not define the cause, whether the canon or the custom hitherto in use
may be followed without danger or no, it is left to every man's pru-
dence.
30 " Whether a bishop may dispense in times prohibited: in which
matter deUberation is thought best."
Collation 0/ benefices.
First, Agreed, " That no bishop shall grant in writing any advowson
of his patronage, until the benefice be void ; except that, in a synod or
35 convocation, the more part of the bishops do think it reasonable to be
released in some special case."
Item, ** That from this day forth no confirmation [perhaps it should
be dispensation'] be given by any bishop for term of years upon benefice
with cure."
Item, •* That no bishop hereafter shall ever grant any appropriation
to be new^ly made without the like consent as in the first article."
S08 Queen EUzahetKe injunctions [XLIII.
commanding them to see these injunctions obseryed and
kept of all persons being under their jurisdiction, as thej
will answer to her majesty for the contrary. And her
Item, '* That the ordinaries do use all good, diligent examination, to
foresee all simoniacal pacts or covenants with their presenters, for the 5
spoil of their glehe and tenths."
Item, " That the ordinary shew to the curates, in their suits for
their tithes, &c. reasonable favour with expedition: so that their
causes be determinate within three weeks, if the case doth not evidently
require more leisure." lo
The articles of the principle heads of religion prescribed to
ministers, as was mentioned before, now follow :
S. Scriptura in se continet omnem doctrinam pietatis : ex qua suf-
ficienter et error omnis convinci possit, et Veritas stabiliri.
Symbolum Nicenum, Athanasii, et quod commimiter Apostolorum 15
dicitur, continet brevissime articulos fidei nostrse sparsim in scripturis
ostensos. Qui istis non crediderint inter veros catholicos non sunt
recipiendi.
Ecclesia Christi est, in qua purum Dei verbum praedicatur, et sacra-
menta juxta Christi ordinationem administrantur : et in qua clavium 20
authoritas retinetur.
Qusevis ecclesia particularis authoritatem instituendi, mutandi, et
abrogandi ceremonias et ritus ecclesiasticos habet ; modo ad decorem,
ordinem, et sedificationem fiat.
Christus tantum duo sacramenta expresse nobis commendat, bap- 25
tisma et eucharistiam : quibus confertur gratia rite sumentibus, etiamsi
malus sit minister. £t non prosunt indigne suscipientibus quantumvis
bonus sit minister.
Laudandus est ecclesise mos baptizandi parvulos, et retinendus est.
Ccena Dominica non est tantum symbolum mutuse benevolentise 30
Christianorum inter se ; sed magis symbolum est nostrse redemptionis
per Christi mortem, et nostras conjunctionis cum Christo. Ubi fideli-
bus vere datur et exhibetur communio corporis et sanguinis Domini.
Sacramentum eucharistise [neque ex prsecepto] neque ex usu pri-
msevsB ecclesias aut servabatur, aut circumferebatur, vel elevabatur, ut 35
adoraretur. ^
Missa, ut consuevit a sacerdotibus dici, non erat a Christo instituta,
sed a multis Romaais pontificibus consarcinata. Nee est sacnfidum
propitiatorium pro vivis et defiinctis.
'559'] concerning loth the dergy and laity. S09
highness's pleasure is, that every justice of peace being
required, shall assist the ordinaries, and every of them,
for the due execution of the said injunctions.
Scholastica transubstantiatio panis et vini in corpus et sanguinem
5 Christi probari non potest ex sacris Uteris.
Non omne peccatum mortale, sen voluntarie perpetratum post bap-
tismum, est irremissibile, et peccatum in Spiritum Sanctum.
Post acceptum Spiritum Sanctum potest homo peccare, ac denuo
etiam resipiscere. Nemoque sine peccato vivit, quamvis regenerads in
lo Christo non imputatur.
Justificatio ex sola fide est certissima doctrina Christianorum.
Elizabetha regina Anglis est unicus et supremus gubemator hujua
regni et omnium dominiorum et regionum suarum quarumcunque, tarn
in rebus et causis ecclesiasticis quam temporalibus.
15 Verbum Dei non probibet foeminarum regimen ; cui obediendom est
juxta ordinationem Dei ^.
Romanus pontifex nullam habet jurisdictionem in hoc regno, nee
alia quaecunque potestas extranea.
Leges ciyiles possunt Cbristianos propter flagitia morte punire.
30 Christianis licet ex jussu principis bella gerere, et ex justa causa
jurare, et propria possidere ^.
Doctrina scholasticorum de purgatorio, et inyocatione divorum, nul-
lum babet fundamentum ex verbo Dei.
Praeceptum Dei est, ut quae leguntur in ecclesia, ilia lingua proieraii-
25 tur, quae ab ecclesia intelligatur.
Absque externa et legitima vocatione non licet cuiquam sese ingerere
in aliquod ministerium ecclesiasticum vel saeculare.
Matrimonium inter Cbristianos l^;itime juxta verbum Dei initum
et contractum, est indissolubile, nee per traditiones hominnm n n q u a in
30 convellendum.
Ccelibatus nulli hominum statui praedpitur, neque injungitur miniftris
ecclesiae ex verbo Dei.
Haec omnia vera esse et publice dpcenda profitemur, eaque juxta
datam nobis feundtatem et eruditionem tnebimur et docebimus.
35 Hancque nostram confessionem mannum nostnurum subscrip-
tionibus testificamur, contrariamqne doctrinam abolendam esse
judicamus, et detestamur.
c Hie articulus additur, ut obviam eatnr Msorlioni Knmdi Sooti nnpene, et quor
rundam Anglonim ezulum in Oeneva oommonuitiam.
40 ^ Pladta anabaptistamm.
VOL, I. P
SIO Vmtatim articles in the [XLIV.
XLIV.
Papae Rom. Sede Cant. Anno Chmti R^. AngKc
PauliIV. 4. vacante. 1559. Elizab. i.
Articles to be inquired in the visitation in the first year of
the reign of our most dread sovereign lady Elizabeth,
by the grace of God of England, France, and Ireland
queen, defender of the faith, anno Domini mdlix.
THIRST, Whether any parson, vicar, or curate be resi-
dent continually upon his benefice, doing his duty
in preaching, reading, and duly ministering the holy
sacraments.
Item, Whether in their churches and chapels all 5
images, shrines, all tables, candlesticks, trindals, and rolls
of wax, pictures, paintings, and all other monuments of
feigned and false miracles, pilgrimages, idolatry, and
superstition be removed, abolished, and destroyed.
Item, Whether they do not every holy-day, when they 10
have no sermon, immediately after the Gospel, openly,
plainly, and distinctly recite to their parishioners in the
pulpit the Lord's Prayer, the Belief, and the Ten Com-
mandments in English.
Item, Whether they do charge fathers and mothers, 15
masters and governors of youth, to bring them up in
some virtuous study and occupation.
Item, Whether such beneficed men as be lawfully
Articles to be inquired'} This book of Articles was printed by Rich.
Jugge and John Cawoode in the year 1559. ** Joined to this book of 10
Articles was another little book entitled ' Interrogatories.' At the end
is set the printer's name, viz. ' Imprynted at London in Foster Lane
by Jhon Waley.' These were inquiries of some ordinary at his visita-
tion» instituted soon after the year the articles aforegoing were set
forth. And what they were see in the Appendix." (Strype, Ann. *5
vol. i. P. 2. p. 494.) Ann. vol. u P. i. p. 244.
15 J9*] fi^^ y^^ ^f 9^*^^ EUzahelh. 21 1
absent from their benefices, do leave their cures to a
rude and unlearned person, and not to an honest, well-
leamed, and expert curate, which can and will teach you
wholesome doctrine.
5 Item, Whether they do discourage any person from
reading of any part of the Bible, either in Latin or
English, and do not rather comfort and eAort every
person to read the same at convenient times, as the
very lively word of Gk)d, and the special food of man's
lo soul.
Item, Whether parsons, vicars, curates, and other
ministers be common haunters and resorters to taverns
or alehouses, giving themselves to drinking, rioting, and
playing at unlawful games, and do not occupy themselves
15 in the reading or hearing of some part of the holy scrip-
ture, or in some other godly exercise.
Item, Whether they have admitted any man to preach
in their cures, not being lawfully licensed thereunto, or
have been licensed accordingly.
»o Item, Whether they use to declare to their parish-
ioners any thing to the extolling or setting forth of vain
and superstitious religion, pilgrimages, relics, or images,
or lighting of candles, kissing, kneeling, or decking of
the same images.
25 Item, Whether they have one book or register kept^
wherein they write the day of every wedding, christen-
ing, and burying.
Item, Whether they have exhorted the people to
obedience to the queen's majesty and ministers, and to
30 charity and love one to another.
Item, Whether they have admonished their parish-
ioners, that they ought not to presume to receive the
sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, before they
can say perfectly the Lord's Prayer, the Articles of the
35 Faith, and the Ten Commandments in English.
Item, Whether they be resident upon their benefices,
p 2
212 Vis^Uation articles in the [XLIV.
and keep hospitality, or no: whether they do relieve
their parishioners, and what they give them.
Item, Whether proprietaries, parsons, vicars, and
clerks, having churches, chapels and mansions, do keep
their chancels, rectories, vicarages, and all other houses 5
appertaining to them, in due reparations.
Item, Whether they do counsel or move their parish-
ioners rather to pray in a tongue not known, than in
English, or put their trust in any certain number of
prayers, as in saying over a number of beads, or other '«>
like.
Item, Whether they have received any persons to the
communion, being openly known to be out of charity
with their neighbours, or defamed with any notorious
crime, and not reformed. 15
Item, Whether they have provided, and have a strong
chest for the poor men's box, and set and fastened the
same in a place of the church most convenient.
Item, Whether they have diligently called upon, ex-
horted and moved their parishioners, and especially when «o
they make their testaments, to give to the said poor
men's box, and to bestow that upon the poor, which
they were wont to bestow upon pilgrimages, pardons,
trentals, and upon other like blind devotions.
Item, Whether they have denied to visit the sick, or 25
bury the dead being brought to the church.
Item, Whether they have bought their benefices, or
come to them by fraud, guile, deceit, or simony.
Item, Whether they have given open monition to their
parishioners to detect and present to their ordinary all 30
adulterers and fornicators, and such men as have two
wives living within their parishes.
Item, Whether they have monished their parishioners
openly, that they should not sell, give, nor otherwise
alienate any of their church goods. 35
Item, Whether they or any of them, do keep more
I559-] first year of queen EKzabeih. 818
benefices and other ecclesiastical promotions, than they
ought to do, not having sufficient licenses and dispen-
sations thereunto ; and how many they be, and their
names.
5 Item, A^Tiether they minister the holy communion any
otherAvise, than only, after such form and manner, as it is
set forth by the common authority of the queen's ma-
jesty and the parliament.
Item, Whether you know any person within your
«o parish or elsewhere, that is a letter of the word of God
to be read in English, or sincerely preached in place and
times convenient.
Item, Whether in the time of the Litany, or any other
common prayer, in time of the sermon or homily, and
'5 when the priest readeth the scriptures to the parish-
ioners, any person have departed out of the church with-
out just and necessary cause, or disturbed the minister
otherwise.
Item, Whether the money coming and rising of any
20 cattel, or other movable stocks of the church, and
money given and bequeathed to the finding torches,
lights, tapers, or lamps, not paid out of any lands, have
not been employed to the poor men's chest.
Item, Who hath the said stocks and money in their
^5 hands, and what be their names.
Item, Whether any undiscreet person do uncharitably
contemn and abuse priests and ministers of the church.
Item, Whether there be any other grammar taught in
any school within this diocese, than that, which is set
30 forth by the authority of king Henry the Eighth.
Item, Whether the service of the church be done at
due and convenient hours.
Item, Whether any have used to commune, jangle,
and talk in the church in the time of prayer, reading
35 of the homily, preaching, reading, or declaring of the
scripture.
pS
214 Visitatum articles m the [XLIV.
Item, Whether any have wilfully maintained and de-
fended any heresies, errors, or false opinions contrary to
the faith of Christ and holy scripture.
Item, Whether any be common drunkards, swearers,
or blasphemers of the name of God. 5
Item, Whether any have committed adultery, forni-
cation, or incest, or be common bawds, or receivers of
such evil persons, or vehemently suspected of any of the
premises.
Item, Whether any be brawlers, slanderers, chiders, lo
scolders, and sowers of discord between one person and
another.
Item, Whether you know any, that do use charms,
sorceries, inchantments, invocations, circles, witchcrafts,
soothsaying, or any like crafts or imaginations invented 15
by the devil, and especially in the time of women's
travail.
Item, Whether churches, pulpits, and other necessaries
appertaining to the same, be sufficiently repaired ; and if
they be not, in whose default the same is. «>
Item, Whether you know any, that in contempt of
their ovm parish church do resort to any other church.
Item, Whether any innholders or alehouse keepers do
use commonly to sell meat and drink in the time of
common prayer, preaching, reading of the homilies, or 25
scripture.
Item, Whether you know any to be married within
the degrees prohibited by the laws of God, or that be
separated or divorced without the degrees prohibited by
the law of God, and whether any such have married again. 3 o
Item, Whether you know any to have made privy
contracts of matrimony, not calling two or more vnt-
nesses thereunto, nor having thereto the consent of their
parents.
Item, AVhether they have married solemnly, the banns 35
not first lawfully asked.
1559*] fi^ 9^^ of queen EKzabeih. 815
Item, Whether you know any executors, or admini-
strators of dead men's goods, which do not only bestow
such of the said goods, as were given and bequeathed,
or appointed to be distributed among the poor people,
5 repairing of highways, finding of poor scholars, or marry-
ing of poor maidens, or such other like charitable deeds.
Item, Whether you know any, that keep in their
houses any unde&ced images, tables, pictures, paintings,
or other monimients of feigned and &lse miracles, pil-
lo grimages, idolatry, and superstition, and do adore them,
and specially such, as haye been set up in churches,
chapels, and oratories.
Item, What books of holy scripture you have delivered
to be burnt, or otherwise destroyed, and to whom you
»s have delivered the same.
Item, What bribes the accusers, promoters, persecu-
tors, ecclesiastical judges, and other the commissioners,
appointed within the several dioceses of this realm, have
received by themselves or other of those persons which
2owere in trouble, apprehended, or imprisoned for re-
ligion.
Item, What goods moveable, lands, fees, offices, or
promotions have been wrongfully taken away in the time
of queen Mary's reign Ifrom any person, which fiivoured
25 the religion now set forth.
Item, How many persons have for religion died by
fire, &mine, or otherwise, or have been imprisoned for
the same.
Item, That you make a true presentment of the num-
3ober of all persons, which died within your parishes
sithence the feast of St. John the Baptist, which was in
the year of our Lord God one thousand five hundred
fifty and eight, unto the feast last past ; making therein
a plain distinct declaration, how many men, women,
35 and men children the same were, and the names of the
men.
p 4
216 Visitation articles in the first year of Elizabeth. [XLIV.
Item, Whether you know any man in your parish
secretly, or in unlawful conventicles say or hear mass, or
any other service prohibited by the law.
Item, Whether you know any person in your parish
to be a slanderer of his neighbours, or a sower of discord 5
between party and party, man and wife, parents and their
children ; or that hath invented, bruited, or set forth any
rumours, false and seditious tales, slanders; or makers,
bringers, buyers, sellers, keepers, or conveyers of any
unlawful books, which might stir and provoke sedition, lo
or maintain superstitious service within this realm, or
any aiders, counsellors, procurers, or maintainers there-
unto.
Item, Whether the church of your parish be now
vacant or no ; who is the patron thereof ; how long it 15
hath been vacant ; who doth receive the tithes, oblations,
and other commodities, during the time of the vacation,
and by what authority; and in what estate the said
church is at this time, and how long the parson or vicar
hath had that benefice. 40
Item, Whether any minstrels, or any other persons do
use to sing or say any songs or ditties, that be vile or
unclean, and especially in derision of any godly order
now set forth and established.
Item, Whether the litany in English, with the epistle %$
and gospel, which was by the queen's highness's procla-
mation willed to be read to the people, were put in
use in your churches ; and if not, who were the letters
thereof.
Item, Whether the curates and ministers do leisurely, 30
plainly, and distinctly read the public prayers, chapters,
and homilies, as they ought to do.
God save the queen.
15590 Cmumism reffia vititatorSnu in part^iu honalibm. 217
XLV.
Papse Rom. Sede Cant Anno ChrisU Reg. Anglui
Pauli IV. 5. vacante. 1559. Elizab. i.
Commissio regia vmtatoribus suis in partiius boredlibus.
Ex Burnett, Hist. Reform, vol. ii. Collect, of Records,
p. 350.
rp LIZABETHA, Dei gratia Angliae, Francise, et HJt
bemiae regina, fidei defensor, &c. charissimis consan-
Commissio regia] " This was the first high commission that was
given out ; that for the province of Canterbury was without <lpubt of
5 the same nature. The prudence of reserving pensions for such priests
as were turned out, was much applauded; since thereby they were
kept from extreme want, which might have set them on to do mischief;
and by the pension which was granted them upon their good behaviour,
they were kept under some awe^ which would not have been other-
10 wise. That which was chiefly condemned in these commissions was
the queen's giving the visitors authority to proceed by ecdesiasdcal
censures, which seemed a great stretch of her supremacy : but it was
thought that the queen might do that, as well as the lay-chancelloni
did it in the ecclesiastical courts ; so that one abuse was the excuse for
15 another. These visitors having made teport to the queen of the obo-
dience given to the laws and her injunctions, it was found that of
9400 beneficed men in England there were no more but fQurteen
bishops, six abbots, twelve deans, twelve archdeacons, fifteen heads of
colleges, fifty prebendaries, and eighty rectors of parishea that had left
10 their benefices upon the account of religion." Burnet, H. R. voL ii. p. 801 •
(Comp. Strype, Ann. vol. i. P. i.pp. 245-247. Collier, voLii. p. 435.)
Such is the description given by bishop Burnet. But it is evident that
this commission only concerned the " visitation of the ecdesiastical
state and persons," and did not extend to the reformation of all manner
25 of heresies and offences. And so sir Edward Coke describes it in his
Institutes (4 Inst. p. 326), and adds, '* This first commisskm Is said to
be lost ; and enrolled it is not, as it ought to have been. And it is
afiirmed by some that have seen it, that it passed not above twenty
sheets of paper; but now the high commission contains above 300
30 -sheets of paper. And it is likewise affirmed that never any higli com-
mission was enrolled (as they all ought to haye been) until my lord
S18 Conmisdo regia visUataribuB inpartibus barealUnu. [XLV.
guineis et consiliariis nostris, Francisco comiti Salop,
domino prsesidenti concilii nostri in partibns borealibus,
et Edwardo comiti de Darbia, ac charissimo consanguineo
nostro Thomffi comiti Northumb. domino guardiano sive
custodi marchianim nostrarum de ^^ Le East March," et 5
" Middle March," versus Scotiam ; ac perdilecto et fideli
nostro Willelmo domino Evers, ac etiam dilectis et fide-
libus nostris Henrico Piercy, Thomae Gargrave, Jacobo
Crofts, et Henrico Gates, militibus ; necnon dilectis nostris
Edwino Sandys, sacrse theologise professori, Henrico lo
Harvy, legum doctori, Richardo Bowes, Georgio Brown,
Christophoro Estcot, et Richardo Kingsmell, armigeris,
salutem. Quoniam Deus populum suum Anglicanum
imperio nostro subjecit, cujus regalis suscepti mnneris
rationem perfecte reddere non possumus, nisi veram reli- 15
gionem et sincerum numinis divini cultum in omnibus
regni nostri partibus propagaverimus ; nos igitur regalis
et absolutse potestatis nostrse nobis in hoc regno nostro
commissae respectu, quoniam utrumque regni nostri sta-
tum tam ecclesiasticum, quam laicum visitare, et certas 20
pietatis ac virtutis regulas illis praescribere constituimus,
prsefatum Franciscum comitem Salop. Edwardum comitem
de Darbia, Thomam comitem Northumb. Willelmum
dominum Evers, Henricum Piercy, Thomam Gargrave,
Jacobum Crofts, Henricum Gates, milites ; Edwinum 25
Sandys, Henricum Harvy, Georgium Brown, Christo-
phorum Estcot, Richardum Bowes, et Richardum King-
smell, armigeros, ad infrascriptum vice, nomine, et aucto-
ritate nostris exequendum, vos, quatuor, tres, aut duos
vestrum ad minimum deputavimus et substituimus. Ad so
chancellor Egerton's time ( 1 596), so as no man before that tune could
know what their jurisdiction was." Similar also is the account given
by Stowe, who represents the commission as consisting of certain mem«
hers of the Queen's privy council, empowered to deprive bishops and
other ecclesiastics for refusing to take the oath of supremacy. Stowe, 35
Hist. p. 639. Comp. Stillingfleet^ Works, vol. iii. p. 766.
1559*] Cimmissio regia i)idtatoriiu8 in pariih^ 219
visitandum igitur tain in capite, quam in membris eccle-
sias cathedrales, civitates^ et dioeceses Eboracen. Cestrens.
Dunehnen. et Carliolen. necnon qnascunque alias coUe-
giatas, parochiales, et prsebendales eoclesias, et loca alia
5 ecclesiastica quaecimque, tarn exempta, quam non ex*
empta, in et per easdem civitates et dioeceses visibiliter
constitutas, clerumque et populum eanmdem in eisdem
degentes sive residentes; deque statu ecclesiamm et
loconim hujusmodiy necnon vita, moribus» et conver-
losatione, ac etiam qualitatibus personarum in eccl^iis et
locis praedictis degentium sive commorantium, modis om-
nibus, quibus id melius aut efficacius poteritis, inqui-
rendum et investigandum ; criminosos, ac susceptfe leli-
gioni subscribere obstinate et peremptorie recusantes, vel
15 quocunque alio modo delinquentes, atque culpabiles, con-
dignis pcenis, etiam usque ad beneficiorum, dignitatum,
sive officiorum suorum privationem fructuum vel redi-
tuum, et proventionem ecclesiarum, et locorum, quibus
praesunty sequestrationem, vel quamcunque aliam con-
20 gruam et competentem coercionem inclusiye puniendum
et corrigendum; atque ad probatiores viyendi mores
modis omnibus, quibus id melius, et efficacius poteritig,
reducendum : testamenta quorumcunque defunctorum
infra loca prsedicta decedentium probanda, approbanda»
'5et informanda; administrationesque bonorum eorundem
executoribus in eisdem testamentis nominatis commit-
tendum, administrationesque insuper, ac sequestrationes
bonorum ab intestatis, sive per viam intestatorum etiam
descendentes, in debita juris forma expediendum, et con^
3ocedendum, ac committendum ; computes quoque tarn
executorum, quam administratorum, et sequestratorum
quorumcunque recipiendum, examinandum, admittendum,
terminandum, ac insuper eosdem executores, adminis-
tratores, et sequestratores omnes et singulos acquie-
35 tandum, relaxandum, et finaliter dimittendum ; causasqne
quascunque examinandum, audiendum, et finaliter ter-
SSO 0<mmmo regia wsitatariius inpartiiHS honaliku. [XLV.
minandum: contumaces autem et rebelles, ciyiiscimqiie
conditionis sive status fuerint, si quos inyeneritiay tarn per
censuras ecclesiasticas, quam personarum apprehensioneiii,
et incarcerationem, ac recognitionem, acception^n, ac
qufficimque alia juris regni nostri remedia compescendum; 5
necnon injunctiones prsesentibus annexas, personis in
eisdem nominatis, nomine nostro, tradendum, aliasque
injunctiones congruas et competentes, vice et auctoritate
nostris, eis indicendum, dandum, et assignandum, poenas-
que convenientes in eanim violatores infligendum et irro- 10
gandum : ecclesias etiam et alia loca dimissorum vacantia,
et pro vacantibus habenda fore decemendum et declar-
randum, pensionesque legitimas congruas et competentes
cedentibus vel resignantibus hujusmodi assignandum et
limitandum, prajsentatosque ad beneficia ecclesiastica quae- is
cunquo infra civitates, ecclesias, aut dioeceses pr^edictas
constituta, durante visitatione nostra hujusmodi, si habiles
fuerint et idonei, ad eadem admittendum, ac de et in
eisdem instituendum ac investiendum cum suis juribus
et pertinentibus universis, eosque in realem, actualem, et m
corporalem possessionem earundem inducendum, et in-
duci faciendum, atque mandandum; necnon clericorum
et beneficiatorum quorumcunque tam pro ordinibus, quam
beneficiis per eos adeptis, literas et munimenta exigendum,
et recipiendum, eaque diligenter examinandum et discu- n
tiendum, et quos non sufficienter mimitos in ea parte
compereritis, ab officio dimittendum, et sic jure munitis
declarandum et prommciandum : Synodos quoque et
capitula tam generalia, quam specialia cleri et populi
hujusmodi per executionem praemissorum aut refonna-30
tionem quamcunque faciendum et convocandum ; procu-
rationes quoque et synodalia ratione nostras hujus visita-
tionis debite petendum, exigendum, et levandum, ac etiam
non solventes, aut solvere recusantes, per censuras eccle-
siasticas compellendum, coercendum, et cogendum ; nee- 35
non concionandi potestatem higusmodi personis conco-
^559*] Commimo regia mritatwribui in pcaiUms horeaKbm. SSI
dendum, quas ad hoc divinum munus miscipiendum aptas
esse judicaveritis ; incarceratos quoque et vinculis com-
missos ob religionis causam, antea licet condemnatos,
causis incarcerationis, et condemnationis hujusmodi prius
5 examinatis, et plenarie discussis, examinandum, discu-
tiendum, ac in integrum, justitia id poscente, restitu-r
endum, deliberandum, et extra prisonam dimittendum;
necnon causas deprivationum examinandum; ac contra
statuta et ordinationes hujus regni nostri Angliae, Tel juris
to ecclesiastici ordinem deprivatos, restituendum ; ac omnia
et singula alia, quae circa hujusmodi visitationis, seu
reformationis negotia necessaria fuerint, sea quomodolibet
opportuna, etiamsi verba magis specialia de se exigunt et
requirunt, faciendum et expediendum, vobis, quatuor,
1 5 tribus, aut duobus vestrum, ut prsefertur, de quorum emi-
nenti doctrina, morumque et consilii gravitate, ac in
rebus gerendis fide et industria plurimum confidimus,
vices nostras committimus, ac plenam ii^ dicto tenora
pnesentium concedimus facultatem, cum cujuslibet con-
2ogrude et legitimes coercionis potestate. Et praeterea
certos viros prudentes ac pios assignandum et nomi-
nandum, per quos de statu rerum instruemini, et quorum
opera praesentes utimini, in omnibus causis ad banc visi-
tationem nostram spectantibus, quantum vobis convenire
25 videbitur. lidem viri a vobis commissariis assignati,
plenam potestatem habebunt, etiam post commissariomm
decessum, et post finitum etiiUQi visitationis tempus^ de
omnibus articulis, ordinibus, et institutis ejusdem visita-
tionis inquirendi ; et violatores eorum, ciyuscunque con-
aoditionis fuerint, conveniendi et examinandi; et omnes
querelas, quatenus uUum impedimentum aut offensionem
nostras visitationis continebimt, accipiendi et audiendi;
et hujusmodi personas, offensiones, et querelas commis-
sariis nostris Londini residentibus, et ad ecclesiasticarum
35 rerum reformationem delegatis, praesentabunt et exhi-
bebunt illis viis et modis, quibus hoc convenientissime
322 Cmimimo regia visitaknibus inpartiius barealUms. [XLV.
videbunt fieri posse ; mandantes omnibus et singulis ma-
joribus, vicecomitibuSy justitiariis, ac quibuscunque aliis
officiariis, ministris, et subditis nostris, quatenus nobis in
et circa prsemissorum executionem effectualiter assistant,
auxilientur, et suflfragentur. Ut insuper sagacitatis, dili- s
gentiae, factorumque vestrorum omnium evidens et per-
petuum specimen nobis posterisque nostris remaneat»
inventaque et invenienda pro recordatorum defectu de-
bitam reformationem, correctionemve non subterfiigiant,
aut a memoria prolabantur ; nos suprema ac regali aucto- ^^
ritate nostra prs^cta, dilectos et fideles subditos nostros,
Thomam Piercy, et Johannem Hoges, et eorum deputatos
per commissaries nostros approbandos, notaries praecipuos
perantea legitime existentes, actorum, instrumentorum,
decretorum, summarum, judiciorum^ censurarum, caetero- 15
rumque omnium et singulorum, quae per vos, vestrumve
aliquem in visitatione hac nostra regia peragentur, judi-
cabuntur, decementur, fient, ferentur, et pronimciabuntur,
scribas, registrarios nostros praecipuos, et principales, con-
junctim et divisim ordinamus, nominamus, et consti-10
tuimus, eisque officium et officia registri scribe nostri
in praesenti cum omnibus officia pr^dicta tangentibus,
eorumque deputatis, per commissaries nostros appro-
bandiSy conjunctim et divisim damns, deputamus, assig-
namus, et decemimus per praesentes. In cujus rei testi- 25
moniimi has literas nostras fieri fecimus patentes. Teste
meipsa apud Westm. 24. die Junii, anno regni nostri
prime.
'5590 ^^ quern's warrant m eau»e$ eedttiaitieal, S28
XLV*
Papa Rom. Sede Cant. Anno Chrisli Rag- Anglia -
Pauli IV. 5. vacante. 1559. Elizab. i.
The queen^s warrant for the court of high commission in
catises ecclesiastical. (Tanner MSS. vol. 1. p. 5.)
I. rp LIZABETH by the grace of God, &c. To the
"^ reverend father in Grod Matthew Parker, nomi-
nated bishop of Canterbury, and Edmund Grindall, nomi-
nated bishop of London, and to our right trusted and
5 right well-beloved councellors Francis Knowles our vice-
The queen's warranfl Thia is the first warrant issued for the esta-
blishment of a general and permanent court of high commission in
causes ecclesiastical. On a comparison with other warrants issued
afterwards, as new powers or a change of commissioners were wanted.
lo (see Rymer, Feed. vol. xvi. pp. 291. 489. Strype, Grind. App. p. 543.)
it will appear that it was found necessary in after-times to give the
court the express power of interrogating the accused party on oath, a %«.^/^a^*)
power which was exercised in the first instance under the generalg^^^^ ^ ^
clause of inquiring " by all ways and means they could devise," and*^***" '*•
15 which became at last one of the principal reasons for the total sup-
pression of the whole jurisdiction. " Whoever will compare the
powers/' says Dr. Lingard, " given to this tribunal with those of the
inquisition, which Philip the Second endeavoured to establish in the
Low Countries, will find that the chief difference between the two comta
20 consisted in their names." Hist, of Elngl. vol. ▼• p. 316. But Dr. Lin*
gard ought to have added, that though such commissions were not un^
known in the time of Edward VI. the person who first brought into Eing-
land the model attempted in the Low Countries was queen Mary^ as
may be seen from her general commission dated Feb. 8, 1556, (Bur-
25 net, H. R. vol. ii. P. 2. p. 435,) and her special commission dated
Feb. 16, 1556, (Wilkins, Concil. vol. iv. p. 140,) from which the warrant
of queen Elizabeth is in great measure copied; and that the same
system was continued in the reign of Elizabeth, not because it was
congenial with the spirit of protestantism, but because the temper of
30 the times had been trained and hardened in the school of popery.
Comp. Neal, Purit. vol. i. p. 89. Burnet, H. R. voL ii. p. 773. Collier^
vol. ii. p. 420.
224 The queen's warrant Jbr the [XL V ».
chamberlain and Ambrose Cave, knights, and to our
trusty and well-beloved Anthony Cook, and Thomas
Smith, knights, Wm. Bill our almoner, Walter Haddon
and Thomas Sackford, masters of our requests, Rowland
Hill, and Wm. Chester, knights, Bandol Cholmely, and 5
John Southcote, sergeants at the law, Wm. May, doctor
of law, Francis Cave, Richard Goodrick and Gilbert
Gerrard, esqrs, Robert Weston and .... Huck, doctors
of law, greeting.
II. Where at our parliament holden at Westminster 10
the 25th day of January and there continued, and kept
until the ... of May then next following (amongst other
things) there was two acts and statutes made and esta-
blished, the one entitled, " An act for the imiformity of
common prayer, and service in the church and adminis- 15
tration of the sacraments," and the other entitled, " An
act restoring to the crown the ancient jurisdiction of
the state ecclesiastical and spiritual, and abolishing all
foreign power repugnant to the same, as by the same
several acts more at large doth appear:" and whereas ao
diverse seditious and slanderous persons do not cease
daily to invent and set forth false rumours, tales, and sedi-
tious slanders, not only against us and the said good laws
and statutes, but also have set forth diverse seditious
books within this our realm of England, meaning thereby 15
to move and procure strife, division, and dissention,
amongst our loving and obedient subjects, much to the
disquieting of us and our people.
III. Wherefore we, earnestly minding to have the
same acts beforementioned to be duly put in execution, 30
and such persons as shall hereafter offend in any thing
contrary to the tenor and effect of the said several
statutes, to be condignly punished; and having especial
trust and confidence in your wisdoms and discretions,
have authorized, assigned, and appointed you to be our 35
commissioners, and by these presents do give our full
^559'] ^^^ co>mmis8um in eauMi eoderiastiocd, tSS
power and authority to you, or six of you, whereof you
the said Mathew Parker, Edmund Grindall, Thomas
Smith, Walter Haddon, Thomas Saokford, Richard
Goodrick and Gilbert Gerrard, to be one, from time to
5 time hereafter, during our pledtore, to inquire as well by
the oaths of twelve good and lawful men, as also by wit*
nesses and other ways and means ye can deyise, for all
offences, misdoers and misdemeanours, done and com-
mitted, and hereafter to be committed or done contrary
lo to the tenour of the said several acts and statutes^ and
either of them ; and also of all and singular heretical
opinions, seditious books, contempts, conspiracies, fidse
rumours, tales, seditious misbehaviours, slanderous words,
or showings, published, invented or set forth by any per-
1 5 son or persons, against us, or contrary, or against any the
laws or statutes of this our realm, or against the quiet
government and rule of our people and subjects, in any
county, city, borough, or other place or places, within
this our realm of England, and of all and every the
10 coadjutors, counsellors, comforters, procurers and abettors
of every such offender.
IV. And further, we do give power and authority to
you, or six of you, whereof the said Mathew Pftrker,
Edmund Grindall, Thomas Smith, Walter Haddon,
25 Thomas Sackfordj Richard Goodrick, or Gilbert Gerrard»
to be one, from time to time hereafter, during our plea*
sure, as well to hear and detennine all the premises, as
also to inquire, hear, and determine all and singular
enormities, disturbances and misbehaviour, done and com-
30 mitted/ or hereafter to be done and committed, in any
church or chapel, or against any divine service, or the
minister or ministers of the same; contrary to the law and
statutes of this realm: and also to inquire of, search
out, and to order, correct and reform all such person^ at
35 hereafter shall or will obstinately abaent themselves fimm
VOL. I. Q
286 The queevCs warrant for the [XL V ••
church, and such divine service, as by the laws and sta-
tutes of this realm is appointed to be had and used.
V. And also we do give and grant full power and au-
thority unto you, and six of you, whereof you the said
Mathew Parker, Edmund Grindall, Thomas Smith, Wal- s
ter Haddon, Thomas Sackford, Richard Goodrick, or
Gilbert Gerrard to be one, from time to time, and at all
times during our pleasure, to visit, reform, redress, order,
correct and amend, in all places within this our realm of
England, all such errors, heresies, crimes, abuses, offences, lo
contempts and enormities, spiritual and ecclesiastical
wheresoever, which by any spiritual or ecclesiastical
power, authority, or jurisdiction, can or may lawfully be
reformed, ordered, redressed, corrected, restrained, or
amended, to the pleasure of Almighty God, the increase 15
of virtue, and the conservation of the peace and unity of
this our realm, and according to the authority and power
limited, given and appointed by any laws or statutes of
this realm.
VI. And also, that you, and six of you, whereof the «o
said Mathew Parker, Edmund Grindall, Thomas Smith,
Walter Haddon, Thomas Sackford, Richard Goodrick, or
Gilbert Gerrard to be one, shall likewise have full power
and authority, from time to time to inquire and search
out .... men quarrellers, vagrant, and suspect persons as
within our city of London, and ten miles compass about
the same city, and of all assaults and affrays done and
committed within the same city and compass aforesaid.
VII. And also we give full power and authority unto
you, and six of yoii, as before, summarily to hear and 30
finally to determine, according to your discretions, and
by the laws of this realm, all causes and complaints of all
them, which in respect of religion, or for lawful matri-
mony contracted and allowed by the same, were inju-
riously deprived, defrauded, or spoiled of their lands, 35
^559*] ^W^ commission in causes eeclesiasHcal. SS7
goods, possessions, rights, dignities, livings, offices, spi-
ritual or temporal ; and them so deprived, as before, to
restore into their said livings, and to put them in pos-
session, amoving the usurpers in convenient speed, as it
5 shall seem to your discretions good, by your letters
missive, or otherwise ; all frustratoiy appeUations cleariy
rejected.
VIII. And further, we do give unto you, and six of
you, whereof you the said Mathew Parker, Edmund
10 Grindall, Thomas Smith, Walter Haddon, Thomas Sack-
ford, Richard Goodrick, or Gilbert Gerrard to be one, by
virtue hereof full power and authority, not only to hear
and determine the same and all other offences, and mat-
ters beforementioned and rehearsed, but also all other
15 notorious, and manifest advoutries, fornications, and eccle-
siastical crimes and offences, vnthin this our realm, ac-
cording to your wisdoms, consciences, and discretions;
willing and commanding you, or rix of you, whereof you
the said Mathew Parker, Edmund Grindall, Thomas
10 Smith, Walter Haddon, Thomas Sackford, Richard Good-
rick, or Gilbert Gerrard to be one, from time to time,
hereafter to use, and devise all such politic ways and
means for the trial and searching out of all the premises,
as by you or six of you, as aforesaid, shall be thought
25 most expedient and necessary.
IX. And upon due proof had, and the oflfence, or
offences before specified, or any of them, sufficiently
proved against any person or persons, as by you or six of
you, by confession of the party, or by lawful witnesses, or
30 by any due mean, before you or six of you, whereof the
said Mathew Parker, Edmund Grindall, Thomas Smith,
Walter Haddon, Thomas Sackford, Richard Groodrick, or
Gilbert Gerrard, to be one, that then you, or six of you,
as aforesaid, shall have full power and authority to award
35 such punishment to every offender by fine, imprisonment,
or otherwise, by all or any of the ways aforesaid, and to
228 The queen's warravU far the [XL V*.
take such order for the redress of the same, as to your
wisdoms and discretions, or six of you, whereof the said
Mathew Parker, Edmund Grindall, Thomas Smith,
Walter Haddon, Thomas Sackford, Richard Goodrick,
or Gilbert Gerrard to be one, to call before you, or six of 5
you, as aforesaid, from time to time, all and every of-
fender or offenders, and such as by you, or six of you, as
aforesaid, shall seem to be suspect persons in any of the
premises ; and also all such witnesses, as you, or six of
you, as aforesaid, shall think to be called before you, or lo
six of you, BB aforesaid ; and them and every of them to
examine upon their corporal oath, for the better trial and
opening of the premises, or any part thereof.
X. And if you, or six of you, as aforesaid, shall find
any person or persons, obstinate or disobedient, either in 15
their appearance before you, or six of you, as aforesaid, at
your calling and commandment, or else not accomplish-
ing, or not obeying your order, decrees, and command-
ments in any thing touching the premises, or any part
thereof; that then you, or six of you, as aforesaid, shall «o
have fiill power and authority to commit the same per-
son or persons so offending to ward; there to remain
until he or they shall be by you, or six of you, as afore-
said, enlarged and delivered*
XI. And further we do give unto you, and six of you, n
whereof the said Mathew Parker, Edmund Grindall,
Thomas Smith, Walter Haddon, Thomas Sackford,
Richard Goodrick, or Gilbert Gerrard, to be one, full
power and authority by these presents, to take and re-
ceive by your discretions of every offender or suspect 30
person, to be convented or brought before you, a recog-
nizance, or recognizances, obligation or obligations to our
use, in such sum or sums of money, as to you, or mx of
you, as aforesaid, shall seem convenient, as well for their
personal appearance before you, or six of you, as afor&«
said, as also for the performance and accomplishment of
1559*] ^^^ eommmian in eames scderioftical, S29
your orders and decrees, in case you, or six of you, as
aforesaid, shall see it so convenient.
XII. And further, our will and pleasure is, that you
shall appoint our trusty and well-beloTed John Skinner
5 to be your register of all your acts, decrees and proceed-
ings, by yirtue of this commission, and in his default, one
other sufficient person, and that you, or six of you, as
aforesaid, shall give such allowance to the said register
for his pains, and his clerks, to be levied of the fines and
10 other profits, that shall rise by force of this commission
and your doings in the premises, as to your discretions
shall be thought meet.
XIII. And further, our will and pleasure is, that you,
or six of you, as aforesaid, shall name and appoint ond
15 other sufficient person to gather up and receive all such
sums of money as shall be assessed and taxed by you, oi*
six of you, as aforesaid, fpr any fine or fines, upon any
person or persons, for their offences : and that you, or six
of you, as aforesaid, by bill or bills signed with your
30 hands, shall and may assign, and appoint as well to the
said person for his pains in recovering the said sums, as
also to your messengers and attendants upon you for their
travail, pains, and charges to be sustained for, or about
the premises, or any part thereof, such sums of money
*s for their rewards, as by you, or six of you, as aforesaid,
shall be thought expedient: willing and commanding
you, or six of you, as aforesaid, after the time of this our
commission expired, to certify into our court of exchequer
as well the name of the said receiver, as also a note of
30 such fines as shall be set or taxed before you ; to the in-
tent, that upon the determination of account of the said
receiver, we be answered of that, that to us shall justly
appertain: willing and commanding also our auditors
and other officers, upon the sight of the said bills, signed
35 with the hand of you, or six of you, as aforesaid, to make
qs
230 The queevCs warrant for the high commission. [XLV*.
unto the said receiver due allowances according to the
said hills upon his accounts.
XIV. Wherefore we will and command you our com-
missioners, with diligence to execute the premises with
effect ; any of our laws, statutes, proclamations, or other 5
grants, privileges, or ordinances, which be, or may seem
to be, contrary to the premises notwithstanding.
XV. And more we will and command all and singular
justices of the peace, mayors, sheriffs, bailiffs, constables,
and other our officers, ministers, and faithful subjects, to »<>
be aiding, helping, and assisting, and at your command-
ment in the due execution hereof, as they tender our
pleasure, and answer to the contrary at their utmost
perils.
XVI. And we will and grant, that this our letters «5
patents shall be a sufficient warrant and discharge for you,
and every of you against us, our heirs, and successors,
and all and every other person or persons, whatsoever
they be, of and for, or concerning the premises, or any
parcel thereof, or for the execution of this our commission, a©
or any part thereof. Witness the queen at Westminster,
the 19th day of July, in the first year of her reign over
England; &c.
Per ipsam Reginam,
^559-J -^ aleclaratum of certain artidet o/rdiffi<m. ftSl
XL VI.
Pap» Rom. Sede Cant. Anno Chriiti R^. AngUa
Pauli IV. 5. vacante. >559* Elizab. i.
A declaration of certain principal articles of religion set
out by the order of both archbishops metropolitans^ and
the rest of the bishops for the uniformity of doctrine^ to
be taught and holden of all parsons, vicars and curates,
as well in testification of their common consent in the
said doctrine to the stopping of the mouths of them, thai
go about to slander the ministers of the church for diver--
sity of judgment, as necessary for the instruction of their
people ; to be read by the said parsons, vicars, and cu^
rates at their possession-making, or first entry into their
cures, and also after that, yearly at two several times,
that is to say, the Sunday next following Easter day,
and St. Michael the archangel, or on some other Sunday
within one month after those feasts, immediately after the
gospel.
■pORASMUCH as it appertaineth to all Christian
men, but especially to the ministers, and the pas-
tors of the church, being teachers and instructors of
others, to be ready to give a reason of their faith, when
5 they shall be thereunto required ; I, for my part, now
appointed your parson, vicar, or curate, having before
my eyes the fear of God, and the testimony of my con-
science, do acknowledge for myself, and require you to
assent to the same.
lo A declaration] Put forth by archbishop P^ker after his dection, with
the concurrence of other bishops, and intended to be used, ontfl articles
of fieuth could be drawn up and enjoined by ccmvocatuyn. Strsrpe, Ann^
vol. i. P. I. pp. 335 — 329. Burnet, Hi R. ▼ol. ii. p. 810.
a4
^S A ileelaraium o/eeritUn aaiiclei afrdigum. [XLVI.
First, That there is but one living and true God, of
infinite power, wisdom, and goodness, the Maker and Pre-
server of all things ; and that in unity of this Godhead
there be three Persons, of one substance, of equal power
and eternity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. 5
II. I believe also, whatsoever is contained in the holy
canonical scriptures, in the which scriptures are contained
all things necessary to salvation, by the which also all
errors and heresies may sufficiently be reproved and con-
victed, and all doctrine and articles necessary to salvation 10
established. I do also most firmly believe and confess
all the articles contained in the three Creeds, the Nicene
Creed, Athanasius' Creed, and our common Creed called
the Apostles' Creed ; for these do briefly contain the prin-
cipal articles of our faith, which are at large set forth in *5
the holy scriptures.
III. I do acknowledge also that church to be the
spouse of Christ, wherein the word of God is truly taught,
the sacraments orderly ministered according to Christ's
institution, and the authority of the keys duly used ; and '©
that every such particular church hath authority to insti-
tute, to change, clean to put away ceremonies, and other
ecclesiastical rites, as they be superfluous, or be abused,
and to constitute other making more to seemliness, to
order, or edification. «5
IV. Moreover I confess, that it is not lawful for any
man to take upon him any office or ministry, either eccle-
siastical or secular, but such only as are lawfully there-
unto called by their high authorities, according to the
ordinances of this realm. 30
V. Furthermore I do acknowledge the queen's ma-
jesty's prerogative and superiority of government of all
estates, and in all causes, as well ecclesiastical as tem-
poral, within this realm, and other her dominions and
countries, to be agreeable to God's word, and of right to 35
appertain to her highness, in such sort, as is in the late
1559'] A dedaraiitm of eeriam afiichf i^ rd^ 9S8
act of parliament expressed, and sithenoe by her majesty's
ii^junctions declared and expomided.
VI. Moreover, touching the bishop of Rome, I do
acknowledge and confess, that by the scriptures and word
5 of God he hath no more authority than other bishops
have in their provinces and dioceses ; and therefore the
power, which he now challengeth, that is, to be the su-
preme head of the universal church of Christ, and to be
above all emperors, kings, and princes, is an usurped power,
lo contrary to the scriptures and word of God, and contrary
to the example of the primitive church, and therefore
is for most just causes taken away and abolished in this
realm.
VII. Furthermore I do grant and confess, that the
■5 book of common prayer and administration of the holy
sacraments, set forth by the authority of parliam^it, is
agreeable to the scriptures, and that it is catholic, tpo^
stolic, and most for the advancing of Grod's glory, and the
edifying of God's people, both for that it is in a tonguie,
2o that may be understood of the people, and also for the
doctrine and form of ministration contained in the same.
VIII. And although in the administration of baptism
there is neither exorcism, oil, salt, spittle, or hallowing of
the water now used, and for that they were of late years
25 abused and esteemed necessary, where they pertain not
to the substance and necessity of the sacrament, that they
be reasonably abolished, and yet the sacrament ftiU and
perfectly ministered to all intents and purposes, agreeaUe
to the institution of our Saviour Christ.
30 IX. Moreover, I do not only acknowledge, that private
masses were never used amongst the fiithers of the pri-
mitive church, I mean, public ministration and receiving
of the sacrament by the priest alone, without a just num-
ber of communicants, according to Christ's saying; ^ Tdke
35 ye and eat ye," etc. but idso, that the doctrine, that main-
toineth the mass to be a propitiatory saerifiee for the
234 A declaration of certain articles o/reliffian>. [XLVI.
quick and dead, and a mean to deliver souls out of pur-
gatory, is neither agreeable to Christ's ordinance, nor
grounded upon doctrine apostolic, but contrarywise most
ungodly and most injurious to the precious redemption of
our Saviour Christ, and his only sufficient sacrifice offered 5
once for ever upon the altar of the cross.
X. I am of that mind also, that the holy communion
or sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, for the due
obedience to Christ's institution, and to express the virtue
of the same, ought to be ministered unto the people to
under both kinds ; and that it is avouched by certain fa-
thers of the church to be a plain sacrilege, to rob them of
the mystical cup, for whom Christ hath shed his most pre-
cious blood, seeing he himself hath said, " Drink ye all of
this :" considering also, that in the time of the ancient 15
doctors of the church, as Cyprian, Hierom, Augustine,
Gelasius, and others six hundred years after Christ and
more, both the parts of the sacrament were ministered to
the people.
Last of all, as I do utterly disallow the extolling of «o
images, relics, and feigned miracles, and also all kind
of expressing God invisible in the form of an old man, or
the Holy Ghost in the form of a dove, and all other vain
worshipping of God, devised by man's fantasies, besides
or contrary to the scriptures, as wandering on pilgrimages, 35
setting up of candles, praying upon beads, and such like
superstition; which kind of works have no promise of
reward in scripture, but contrarywise threatenings and
maledictions ; so I do exhort all men to the obedience of
God's law, and to the works of faith, as charity, mercy, 50
pity, alms, devout and frequent prayer with the affection
of the heart, and not with the mouth only, godly absti-
nence and fasting, charity, obedience to the rulers, and
superior powers, with such like works and godliness of
life commanded by God in his word, which, as St» Paul 31
saith, '^ Hath promises both of this life and of the
1559*] Address against the use of images. StSS
life to come," and are works only acceptable in God*8
sight.
These things above rehearsed, though they be appointed
by common order, yet I do without all compulsion, with
5 freedom of mind, and conscience, from the bottom of my
heart, and upon most sure persuasion, acknowledge to be
true and agreeable to Grod's word ; and therefore I exhort
you all, of whom I have cure, heartily and obediently to
embrace and receive the same, that we all joining toge-
lother in unity of spirit, faith and charity, may also at
length be joined together in the kingdom of God, and
that through the merits and death of our Saviour Jesus
Christ, to whom with the Father, and the Holy Ghost,
be all glory and empire now and for ever. Amen.
XLVII.
PaptB Rom. Sede Cant. Anno Chriiti Reg. Anglui
Pauli IV. 5. vacante. I5S9« Elizab. i.
An address made by some bishops and divines to queen
Elizabeth against the use of images. Strype's Ann. Bef.
vol. i. fol. 221, 222.
To the queevCs most excellent majesty.
'^ \XrE^ knowing your gracious clemency, and considering
the necessity of the matter, that we have to move,
An address made] This address is supposed by bishop Bomet to have
been presented to the queen before she issued her injunctions, and to
have contributed to the right sentiments expressed in them respecting
20 images. Strype, however, and others consider it to be of later date.
(Parker, vol. i. p. 193. Collier, vol. ii. p. 465.) But she was known
still to be favourable to the use of crosses and crucifixes, and they coh-
tinued to be exhibited not merely in her own chapel, but also in many
of the churches. Bishop Cox in writing to P. Martjrr in August i559>
25 says, " excepto quod crucis crucifixique imaginem in tempHs tolerare
236 Addms to quem Mzabeti [XLVII.
the one doth encourage us, the other compel us (as
before) to make our humble petition unto your highness,
and to renew our former suit, not in any respect of self-
will, stoutness, or striving against your majesty, (God we
take to witness,) for with David we confess, that we are 5
but as ^^ canes mortui aut pulices" in comparison, but we
do it only for that fear and reverence, which we bear to
the majesty of Almighty God, in whose hands to &11 it is
terrible; for it lieth in his power to destroy for ever,
and to cast both body and soul into hell fire ; and lest in 10
giving such offence to the little ones, in setting a trap of
errors for the ignorant, and digging a pit for the blind to
fidl into, we should not only be guilty of the blood of our
brethren, and deserve the wrathful " Vsb" and vengeance
of God, but also procure to our reclaiming consciences 15
cogantur, omnia religionis capita^ quae Edvardi tempore, tenent."
(Hess, Cat. vol. ii. p. 122.) Sampson to the same in the following
January, asks, " si princeps ita injungat omnibus episcopis et pastonbus
ut vel admittant in suas ecclesias imaginem cum candelis, vel nuniaterio
verbi cedant, quid hie faciendum sit?" (Hess, Cat. vol. ii. p. 131. 20
Burnet, H. R. voL iii. P. 2. p. 397.) And bishop Jewel in February
1560, says to liie same, " Nunc ardet lis ilia crucularia....Ik) enim jam
res perv^t ut aut cruces argentece et stannese, quas nos ubique con-
fregimus, restituendse sunt, aut episcopatus reliquendi." (Hess, Cat.
vol. ii. p. 133, Burnet, H. R. vol. iii. P. 3. p. 390.) It appears from 25
the same letter that a di^utation was to be held on the subject, and
that Parker and Cox had undertaken to defend the use of crosses
against Grindal and Jewel, who were most earnest in opposing them.
That Cox's sentiments iiad so far undergone a diange, is evident firom
the letter written by him in the month of March to Cassander, and from 30
the answer that Cassander gave, clearly signifying his approbation of
the practice. (Hess, Cat. vol. ii. p. 135. Cassandri Opera, p. mo.)
The question however was soon afterwards set at rest by the oon^lete
removal of crosses : as appears from a letter written by biriiop Sandys
to P. Martyr cm the first of April 1560. Hess, Cat. vol. iL p. 137. 35
Burnet, H. R. vol. iii. P. 2. p. 393. Comp. another letter from Cox to
the queen in Strype, Ann. vol. i. P. 2. p. 500. Ann. vol. i. P. i. p. a6o.
Parker, vol. i. p. 9a. Burnet, H. R. vol. ii. p. 794. Hallam, Const.
Hist. vol. i. p. 186.
1559-] against ike ub$ ofimagm. £87
the biting worm that never dieth for our endless con-
fusion. For in what thing soever we may serve your ex-
cellent majesty, not offending the divine majesty of Grod,
we shall with all humble obedience be most ready there-
5 unto, if it be even to the loss of our Iiie» for so jQod com-
mandeth of us, duly requireth of us» and we with all cod^
formity have put in proof; and as Gbd through your
gracious government hath delivered unto us innumerable
benefits, (which we most humbly acknowledge, and with
lo due reverence daily give him thanks,) so we do not doubt
but that of his mercy he will happily finish in your ma^
jesty that good work, which of his free favour he hath
most graciously begun; that following the examples of
the godly princes, which have gone before, you may
15 clearly purge the polluted church, and remove all occa-
sions of evil. And forsomuch as we have heretofore at
sundry times made petition to your majesty, concerning
the matter of images, but at no time exhibited any rea-
sons for the removing of the same ; now lest we should
20 seem to say much and prove little, to allege consciences
without the warrant of God, and unreasonably require
that, for the which we can give no reason, we have at
this time put in writing, and do most himibly exhibit to
your gracious consideration those authorities of the scrip*
35 tures, reasons, and pithy persuasions, which as they have
moved all such our brethren, as now bear the oflice of
bishops, to think and aflirm images not expedient for the
church of Christ, so will they not suffer us, witiioiit the
great offending of Grod, and grievous wounding of our owft
30 consciences (which Grod deliver us from) to consent to the
erecting or retaining of the same in the place of worship-
ping ; and we trust and most earnestly ask it of Qed, that
they may also persuade your majesty, by your repX au-
thority, and in the zeal of God, utterly to remove this
35 offensive evil out of the church of England, to Qod*s greit
glory, and our great comfort.
3S8 Addrm to queen Elizabeth. [XLVII.
The substance of their reasons is; that the second
commandment forbids the making of any images, as a
resemblance of God, And Deut. xxvii. there was a
curse pronounced on those, " who made an image, an
abomination to the Lord, and put it in a secret place :^ 5
which they expoimded of some sacraria, in private houses.
And Deut. iv. among the cautions Moses gives to the
people of Israel to beware of idolatry, this is one : " That
they do not make an image :" for the use of these do
naturally degenerate into idolatry. The Jews were so ro
sensible of this after the captivity, that they would die
rather than suffer an image to be put in their temple. The
book of Wisdom calls an image, ^^ A snare for the feet
of the ignorant." St. John charged those he writ to,
" To beware of idols :" so Tertullian said : " It was not 15
enough to beware of idolatry towards them, but of the
very images themselves." And as Moses had chaiged
the people not to lay a stumblingblock in the way of
the blind, so it was a much greater sin to leave such a
trap for the weak multitude. This was not for edifica- «o
tion ; since it fed the superstition of the weak and igno-
rant, who would continue in their former dotage upon
them, and would alienate others from the public worship ;
so that between those, that would separate from them,
if they were continued, and the multitude, that would «5
abuse them, the number of those that would use them
aright would be very inconsiderable. The outward
splendour of them would be apt to draw the minds of
the worshippers, if not to direct idolatry, yet to staring,
and distraction of thoughts. Both Origen and Amobius $0
tell us, that the primitive Christians had no images at
all. Irenaeus accused the Gnostics for carrying about
the image of Christ. St. Austin commends Varro for
saying, that the old Romans worshipped God more
chastely, without the use of any images. Epiphaniusas
tore a veil with an image on it, and Serenus broke
1559*] €igain8t the use o/inutgee. • S89
images in Gregory the Great's time, Valens and Theodo-
sius made a law against the painting or graving of the
image of Christ : and the use of images in the Eastern
churches brought those distractions on that empire, that
5 laid it open to the invasions of the Mahometans.
Having thus declared to your highness a few causes of
many, which do move our consciences in this matter, we
beseech your highness most humbly, not to strain us any
further ; but to consider, that God's word doth threaten
lo a terrible judgment imto us, if we, being pastors, and
ministers in his church, should assent unto the thing,
which in our learning and conscience we are persuaded
doth tend to the confirmation of errors, superstition, and
idolatry, and finally, to the ruins of the souls committed
15 to our charge, for the which we must give an account
to the prince of pastors at the last day. We pray your
majesty also not to be offended with this our plainneee,
and liberty, which all good and Christian princes have
ever taken in good part at the hands of godly bishops.
^o 8t. Ambrose, writing to Theodosius the emperor, useth
these words : ^^ Sed neque imperiale est libertatem di-
cendi negare, neque sacerdotale, quod sentiant, non
dicere.
And again : ^' In causa vero Dei, quem audies, si
^5 sacerdotem non audies, cujus majori peccatur periculo,
quis tibi verum audebit dicere, si sacerdos non audeat ?"
These, and such like speeches of St. Ambrose, Theodo-
sius and Valentinianus the emperors did take in good
part ; and we doubt not, but your grace will do the like,
30 of whose not only clemency, but also beneficence we
have largely tasted.
We beseech your majesty also in these, and such like
controversies of religion, to refer the discussment, and
deciding of them to a synod of the bishops, and other
35 godly learned men, according to the example of Con-
stantinus Magnus, and other Christian emperors; that
S40 Cammissicn cihwA imjmgmate tithes, [XLVIII.
the reasons of both parties being examined by thetii,
the judgment may be given uprightly in all doubtfiil
matters.
And to return to this present matter, we most humUy
beseech your majesty to consider, that besides weighty i
causes in policy, which we leave to the wisdom of the
honourable councillors, the establishing of images by your
authority, shall not only utterly discredit our ministries^ as
builders of the thing, which we have destroyed ; but also
blemish the &me of your most godly brother, and such lo
notable Others, as have given their lives for the testi*
mony of God's truth, who by public law removed all
images.
The almighty and everlasting God plentifully endue
your majesty with his Spirit, and heavenly wisdom, and 15
long preserve your most gracious reign, and prosperous
government over us, to the advancement of his glory, to
the overthrow of superstition, and to the benefit and
comfort of all your highnesses loving subjects. Amen.
XLVIII.
Sede Rom. Sade Cant. Anno Chriiti Reg. AngliaB
vacante. vacante. i559* Elizab. i.
A commission from the queen to my lard treasurer^ sir
Richard SacJcvile, sir Walter Mildmay^ and Mr. Kette^
way^ September 18, concerning the exchange of impro^
priate tithes for bishops^ lands.
TDIGHT trusty and right well beloved cousin, and^
trusty and well beloved, we greet you well. And
A conmUsaion] " Tke queen now (chiefly to gratify some of her
courtiers) made exchanges with her hishops, hy the authority of a late
act of parliament; taking to herself their ancient good manors and
lordships, and middng over to them in exdmnge tij^hes and impro- 9$
^559'] Commismn ahwA impropriaU Hikes, S41
whereas by one act passed in our late parliament, it was,
among other things, granted imto us, that upon the
vacation of every archbishopric or bishopric within this
our realm of England, it should be lawful for us to take
5 into our hands and possessions as much and so many of
any the honours, castles, manors, lands, and tenements^
and other hereditaments, being parcel of the possessions
of any such archbishopric or bishopric, so being void, as
the clear yearly value of all our parsonages impropriate,
loand yearly tenths within every such archbishopric or
bishopric should yearly amount unto : and for the trial
of the very value of such honours, castles, manors, lands,
tenements, and hereditaments, it should be lawful for us
to appoint commissioners to survey the same from time
15 to time ; and thereupon to certify the very clear yearly
value thereof, over all charges, into our court of ex-
chequer, by such time as shall be to the said commis-
sioners appointed, with such further matter, as in the
said act thereof made, more fully is contained: foras-
20 much as we have si thence, according to the said act,
addressed forth sundry our commissions for the survey of
the lands, tenements, and other hereditaments of certain
archbishoprics and bishoprics presently vacant, the certi-
ficates of which commissions be in part already returned
35 unto our said court of exchequer, and the rest looked for
daily ; we let you wete, that for the proceeding to the
end in the said matters, according to the meaning of the
priations. A matter those first bishops took very heavily ; and
scrupled very much whether they could or should comply in a thing
30 so much to the injury of the revenue of their respectiye sees, which
must suffer considerably by these exchanges; and whereby all hope
should be cut off of restoring the tithes, so long unjustly detained
from the respective churches, for the maintenance of the incumbents.*'
Strype, Grindal, p. 42, where is also an account of the correspondence
35 between Grindal and P. Martyr on the subject. Comp. Parker, vol. i.
p. 88. Collier, vol. ii. p. 437.
VOL. I. R
S42 Breve region pro comeercUiane [XLIX.
act, knowing your approved wisdoms, diligencoSi and
dexterities in such causes, we have, and by these pre-
sents do authorize you four, three, or two of you, to con-
sider diligently as well the certificates of such lands of
archbishoprics or bishoprics, as be already retiurned, as 5
also such other certificates of the like lands, as shall
hereafter be returned, and certified unto our said court
of exchequer; and further likewise to consider, what
parcels of the said lands, tenements, and hereditamenta
shall be meetest for us to take into our hands and poa- lo
session, and what impropriations or yearly tenths we
shall, in recompense of the said lands, depart withal
again, with such further matter in and about the pre-
mises, as your wisdoms shall think meet for our know-
ledge ; willing and requiring you, after the deliberation 15
and advised consideration of the premises, to certify unto
us your opinion in writing, what you think most meet
for us to do in the cases aforesaid, to the intent we may
resolve our determinate pleasure, touching the same, as
shall be then thought good by us. And hereof fistil you so
not, as we specially trust you : and these our letters shall
be your sufficient warrant, and discharge in this behaUT.
Yeven, etc.
XLIX.
Sede Rom. Sede Cant. Anno Christi R^. Aiigli»
vacanta. vacante. 1559. EUBAM. %•
Breve regium pro consecratione archiepiscopi Parker.
Ex Registr. Parker, tom. i. fol. 3. Vid. Mason of
Consecration, etc. f. 126.
"Tp LIZABETHA, Dei gratia, etc. reverendis in Christo
"^ patribus Anthonio, Landaven. episcopo, WiU. Baiwts
Breve regnm] This is the second of the two warrants ismad m 4ia
matter, and the one which was actually employed for the
^559'] MaMkm Po/thtt^ areJUqri§e. Ocmhtar. C43
low, quondam Bath, et Well, episcopo, nunc Cioestrenfii
electo, Johanni Scory, quondam Cieestrenai episcopo,
nunc electo Hereford. Miloni Cioverdalio, quondam Exo-
niensi episcopo, Johanni sufflraganeo Bedford, Johanni
5 suffiraganeo Thetford, Johanni Bale, Ossorensi epLseopo.
Quatenus vog, aut ad minus quatuor yestrum eundem
Matthaeum Parkerum in archiepiscopum, et paatorem
ecclesiae cathedralis, et metropoliticae Christi Cant, pne-
dictse, sicut praefertur, electum, electionemque praediotam
lo confirmare, et eundem magistrum Matthseum Parkerum
in archiepiscopum, et pastorem ecclesiae praedictae conse-
crare, caeteraque omnia et singula peragere, quae yestro in
hac parte incumbunt pastorali officio, juxta formam sta-
tutorum in ea parte editorum et proyisorum, yelitis
15 cum effectu, etc. Dat. sexto Decembris, anno secundo
Elizabethae.
Rituum et ceremoniarum ordo in consecratione reveren^
dissimi domini Matthai Parker, archiepiscopi Cant, in
capeUa infra nuanerium suum de Lambhith, die domi-
nico, viz. decimo searto mensis Decembris, anno Domini
MDLIX.
T>RINCIPIO sacellum tapetibus ad orientem adonuu
batur ; solum yero panno rubro instemebatur ; mensa
quoque sacris peragendis necessaria, tapeto pulyinarique
35 omata, ad orientem sita erat.
of archbishop Parker. " The first took not place, whatever the reason
was : whether it were that some of the hishops (named therein), being
papists, refused to act in this bnsinesB ; or becaaae of the omiiaum cf
a clause, viz. ' vos ant ad minns qnatnor yestrom,' aa it ran in tha
30 queen's second letters patent, which were executed and bore date at
Westminster, the 6th day of December." Strype, IVurker, vol. i. p. 107,
The former warrant bore date at Redgrave, tlia 9th of September,
Comp. Ann. vol. i. P. i. p. 231. BoiTiet, H. R. vol. ii. p. 805. Arch-
bishop Bramhal, Works, p. 988 ; and Browae ott The OrdiiiatkMi, Ac.
R S
244 Breve regiwrnpro consecraUone [XLIX.
Quatuor praeterea cathedrae quatuor episcopis, quibus
munus consecrandi archiepiscopi delegabatur, ad austrum
orientalis sacelli partis erant positse ; scamnum praeterea
tapeto pulvinaribusque instratmn, cui episcopi genibus
flexis inniterentur, ante cathedras ponebatur. 5
Pari quoque modo cathedra, scamnumque tapeto pul-
vinarique omatum, archiepiscopo ad borealem orientalis
ejusdem sacelli partis plagam posita erant.
Hiis rebus ita ordine suo instructis, mane circiter
quintam, aut sextam, per occidentalem portam ingredi- 10
tur sacellum archiepiscopus toga talari coccinea, capu-
tioque indutus, quatuor praecedentibus funalibus, et qua-
tuor comitatus episcopis, qui ejus consecration! inservi-
rent ; videlicet, Willielmo Barlow, olim Bathon. et
Wellen. episcopo, nunc vero ad Cicestrensem episcopa- 15
turn electo, Johanne Scory, olim Cicestrensi episcopo, et
nunc ad Herefordensem vocato, Milone Coverdale, olim
Exon. episcopo, et Johanne Hodgskinne, Bedfordiae suf-
fraganeo. Qui omnes postquam sedes sibi paratas ordine
singuli suo occupassent, preces continuo matutinae per«o
Andream Pierson, archiepiscopi capellanum, clara voce
recitabantur. Quibus peractis, Johannes Scory, de quo
supra diximus, suggestum conscendit, atque inde as-
sumpto sibi in thema : " Seniores ergo, qui in vobis
sunt, obsecro, consenior," etc. non ineleganter conciona- n
batur.
Finita concione, egrediuntur simul archiepiscopus, reli-
quique quatuor episcopi sacellum, se ad sacram commu-
nionem paraturi, neque mora confestim per borealem
portam in vestiarium, ad hunc modum vestiti, redeunt. 3©
Archiepiscopus nimirum linteo superpellicio (quod vo-
cant) induebatur ; Cicestrens. electus capa serica ad sacra
peragenda paratus utebatur : cui ministrabant, operamque
suam praebebant, duo archiepiscopi capellani; videlicet,
Nicolaus Bullingham, Lincoln, archidiaconus, et Ed-55
mundus Geste, Cantuariensis quoque archidiaconus, capis
J^ 559*1 MaMhm Parker^ atchiepisc, Oawtuar. 245
sericis similiter vestiti. Hereford, electus, et Bedfordiae
suffrag. linteis superpelliceis induebantur. Milo vero
Coverdallus non nisi toga lanea talari utebatur. Atque
hunc in modum vestiti, et instructi, ad communionem
5 celebrandam perrexerunt ; archiepiscopo genibus flexis ad
infimum sacelli gradum sedente.
Finite tandem evangelio, Hereforden* electus, Bed-
ford iae suifraganeus, et Milo Coverdale (de quibus supra)
arehiepiscopum coram Cicestrensi electo apud mensam
lo in cathedra sedenti, his verbis adduxerunt : " Reverende
in Deo pater, hunc virum pium pariter atque doctum tibi
oiferimus, atque praesentamus, ut archiepiscopus conse-
cretur." Postquam haec dixissent, proferebatur illico re-
ginae diploma, sive mandatum pro consecratione archi-
15 episcopi. Quo per reverendum Thomam Yale, legum
doctorem, perlecto, sacramentum de regio primatu, sive
suprema ejus auctoritate tuenda, juxta statuta prime
anno regni serenissimae reginae nostras Elizabethan pro-
mulgata, ab eodem archiepiscopo exigebatur: quod cum
ao ille solenniter, tactis corporaliter sacris evangeliis» CQn->
ceptis verbis praestitisset, Cicestren. electus quaedam prae-
fatus, atque populum ad orationem hortatus, ad letanias
decantandas, chore respondente, se accinxit. Quibus
finitis, post quaestiones aliquot archiepiscopo per Cice-
^5 stren. electum propositas, et post orationes et suffiugia
quaedam juxta formam libri auctoritate parliamenti editi,
apud Deum habita, Cicestrensis, Herefordensis, su£&a-
ganeus Bedfordiensis, et Milo Coverdallus manibus archi-
episcopo impositis : " Accipe, inquiunt, Spiiitum Sanctum,
30 et gratiam Dei, qude jam per impositionem manuum in
te est, excitare memento : non enim timoris, sed virtutis,
dilectionis, et sobrietatis spiritum dedit nobis Deus,^
His ita dictis, Biblia sacra illi in manibus tradidemnt^
hujusmodi apud eum verba habentes : " In legendo, hor-
35 tando, et docendo, vide diligens sis, atque ea meditare
assidue, quae in hisce libris scripta sunt. Noli in his
R 3
S46 CoMeeratio mrehiepiseopi Parker. [XLIX.
segnis esse, quo incrementum inde proveniens omnibus
innotescat, et palam fiat. Cura, quae ad te et ad doeendi
munus spectant diligenter. Hoc enim modo noa teip-
sum solum, sed et reUquos auditores tuos per Jesom
Christum Dominum nostrum salyabis." Postquam haee 5
dixissent, ad reliqua communionis solennia pergit Cice-
stren. nullum archiepiscopo tradens pastorale baculum;
cum quo communicabant una archiepiscopus, et illi epi-
scopi supra nominati, cum aliis etiam nonnullis.
Finitis tandem peractisque sacris, egreditur per bore- lo
alem orientalis sacelli partis portam archiepiscopus, qua-
tuor illis comitatus episcopis, qui eum consecraverant, et
eonfestim eisdem ipsis stipatus episcopis, per eandem re«
yertitur portam, albo episcopali superpelliceo, chimeraque
(ut Tocant) ex nigro serico indutus, circa coUum Yero is
coUare quoddam ex preciosis pellibus sabellinis (vulgo
^' Sables" vocant) consutimi gestabat. Pari quoque modo
Cicestrensis, et Herefordensis suis episcopalibus amicti-
bus, superpelliceo sc. et chimera uterque induebatur ;
D. Coverdallus vero, et Bedfordiae suf&aganens, togis to
solummodo talaribus utebantur. Pergens deinde occi-
dentalem partem versus archiepiscopus, Thomae Doyle,
ceconomo, Johanni Baker, thesaurario, et Johanni Marche,
compute rotulario, singulis singulos albos dedit baculos,
hoc scilicet modo eos muneribus, et officiis suis omans. H
His itaque himc ad modum ordine sue, ut jam ante*
dictum est, peractis, per occidentalem portam sacelhim
egreditur archiepiscopus, generosioribus quibuscunque
sanjniine ex ejus familia eum praecedentibus, reliquis
.erTeum a tergo sequentibus.
Acta gestaque haec erant omnia in preesentia reveren-
dorum episcoporum Edmundi Grindall, London, episcopi
electi, Richardi Cokes, Eliensis electi, Edwini Sandes,
Wigomiensis electi, Anthonii Husse, armigeri principalis,
et primarii registrarii dicti archiepiscopi, Thomse ArgaU 35
armigeri, registrarii curiae praerogativae Cant. Thomae
ij6o.] IM0tm r€gim9 d$ Jbrma prmim fMik^ fUH
Willet, et Johannis Incent, notariorum publicomm, et
aliorum quoque nonnullorum.
Concordat cum originali in biblioth. collegii Corp.
Christi apud Cantab, ita testor Matth. Whinn, no-
5 tarius publicus, et acad. Cantab, registrarius prin^
cipalis, Jan. 8. mdclxxiv.
L.
Archiepiio. Oant. Anno Chrittt B/eg. Angli»
Matth. Pa&kzr i. 1560. Elzcab. 3.
Litera patentes retina de forma preeum puNicarum
Latine vertenda.
P^LIZABETH, Dei gratia Anglise, Francise, et Hiber-
niae regina, fidei defensor, &c. omnibus^ ad quos
praesentes literse pervenerint, salutem. Cum memores
10 officii nostri erga Deum omnipotentem (cujus proTidentia
principes regnant) legibus quibusdam saluberrimis, con-
sensu trium regni nostri statuum sancitis, anno regni
nostri prime, regium nostrum assensum libenter prae-
buerimus; inter quas una lex lata est, ut preces pub-
is licae, una, et eadem certa et prsescripta precandi forma»
lingua Yulgari, et vemacula, passim in ecclesia Anglicana
haberentur, quo subditi nostri, quid orarent, facilius in-
telligerent, et absurdum ilium, diuque in ecclesia inve-
Litera patentes] " Though the public prayers were by the late act
20 of parliament (i Elliz. cap. 2.) to be said only in the vnlgar tongae,
that all the people might understand; yet upon the petition of the
universities of Cambridge and Oxford, and the two colleges of Win-
chester and f^ton, that for the further improvements of their members
in Latin they might use the same form of ' public prayer in Latin, the
25 queen by her letters patent dated at Westminster the 6th of April, in
the second year of her reign, granted the same." Strype, Ann. yd. i.
P- I- P- 333-
R 4
24S LitercB regmoB de forma precum puiUcarum. [L.
teratum errorem tandem devitarent: fieri enim non
potest, ut precationes, supplicationes, aut gratiarum ac-
tiones non intellectae, mentis ardorem aliquando excitent
et accendant, cum spiritu, et veritate^ Deus qui spiritus
est, non oris tantum strepitu adorari vult ; cui rei etiam 5
addi potest, quod hac caeca ignoratione superstitiosae
preces, aut res alienae, non satis idonese, quae Deo pro-
funderentur, cordium humanorum scrutatori, saepenu-
mero ore profane offerebantur: notum vobis esse vo-
lumus, quod quoniam intelligimus collegia utriusque lo
academiae, Cantabrigiensis et Oxoniensis, collegium item
novum prope Wintoniam, et Etonense, bonis Uteris di-
cata, supplicibus votis petere, ut quo sacrarum literarum
monumenta Latina ad uberiorem theologiae fructum eis
reddantur magis familiaria, eis liceat eadem forma pre- *5
cum Latine uti ; omnibus reipublicae nostrae membris,
quantum in nobis est, consulere, et cum eorum necessi-
tati, qui Latina non intelligunt, tum eorum voluntati,
qui utramque linguam percipiunt, consulere cupientes ;
constituimus per praesentes, licitum esse et permissum 20
nostra auctoritate et privilegio regali tam decano et so-
dalitio ecclesiae Christi in academia nostra Oxoniae, quam
prsBsidibus, custodibus, rectoribus, magistris, et sodalita-
tibus omnium et singulorum coUegiorum Cantabrigiae,
Oxoniae, Wintoniae, et Etoniae, hoc modo precandi La- «5
tine uti publico in ecclesiis et sacellis suis, quem nos per
nostrum typographum edi curavimus in hoc praesenti
volumine, convenientem cum Anglicano nostro publica-
rum precum libro, jam per universum nostrum reguum
recepto et usitato. Cui item peculiaria quaedam iua©
Christianorum funeribus et exequiis decantanda adjungi
praecepimus ; statute illo praedicto de ritu publicarum
precum (cujus supra raentionem fecimus) anno prime
regni nostri promulgate, in contrarium non obstante.
Proviso semper, quod in ejusmodi coUegiis, quibus laico- as
rum parochiae annexae erunt, ac in reliquis etiam, ad
1560.] Celehratio ccencB Domini infmeribw. 249
quorum templa laici, eorundem collegiorum famuli, et
mmistri, sive alii quicunque Latiuse linguse imperiti, ne-
cessario adire debent; his horae aliquot opportuns, et
loca in dictis ecclesiis, aut sacellis, assiguentur, in quibus,
5 festis saltem diebus, preces matutinse et vespertinae le-
gantur et recitentur, et sacramentorum administrationes
suis temporibus Anglice ad laicorum aedificationem cele-
brari possint. Eadem etiam formula Latina precandi
privatim uti hortamur omnes reliquos ecclesiae nostras
o Anglicanae ministros, cujuscunque gradus fuerint, iis die-
bus, quibus aut non solent, aut non tenentur parochianis
suis, ad aedem sacram pro more accedentibus, publico
preces vemacula lingua, secundum formam dicti statuti,
recitare. In praemissorum autem fidem et testimonium
> 5 has literas nostras fieri fecimus patentes. Dat. apud pa-
latium nostrum de Westmonasterio sexto die Aprilis,
anno regni nostri secundo.
LI.
Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christ! fLeg, AngliaB
Matth. Parker i. 1560. Elizab. 2.
Celebratio coeiia: Doniini in funeribtiSy si amid et vicini
defuncti communicare velinty Sfc. anno 2. Elizabeths
regince mdlx.
In commendatianibtis benefactorum.
A D cujusque termini finem conmiendatio fiat funda-
20 toris, aliorumque clarorum virorum, quorum bene-
ficentia collegium locupletatur.
Celebratio ccnue] " To this edition of the Latin prayers [published
in conformity with the preceding letters patent. No. L.] the queen also
appointed to be joined certain peculiar forms in Latin, to be used at
25 the funerals and exequies of Christians ded^ased, when the friends and
neighbours were minded to celebrate the Lord's supper ; a custom then,
but now wholly disused." Strype, Ann. vol. i. P. 1 . p. 334;
S50 Odebraiio ecena Domini i»Jmmbui. [LL
Ejus hadc sit fonna.
Primum recitetur clara voce oratio dominica :
Pater noster, qui es in ccelis, etc.
Deinde recitentnr tres Psalmi.
Exaltabo te Deus, Psalm, cxliv. 5
Lauda anima mea Do. Psaim. cxlv.
Laudate Dominum quoniam bonus. Ptal. exivi.
Post haec legatur cap. xliv. Ecclesiastici.
His finitis, sequatur concio, in qua concionator ftinda-
tons amplissimam munificentiam praedicet : quantus sit 10
literamm usus ostendat : quantis laudibus afficimidi sunt*
qui Iiterarom studia beneficentia sua excitent : quantum
sit omamentum regno dfttos yiros habere, qui de rebus
controversis vere judicare possint: quanta sit scriptura-
rum laus, et quantum illae onmi humanae auetoritati '5
antecedant: quanta sit ejus doctrinae in Tulgus utilitas»
et quam late pateat : quam egregium et regium sit (cui
Deus universse plebis suae curam commisit) de multitu-
dine ministrorum verbi laborare, atque, hi ut honesti
atque eruditi sint, curare : atque alia ejus generis, quae ^
pii et docti viri cum laude illustrare possint.
Hac concione perorata, decantetur,
Benedictus Dominus Israel.
Ad extremum haec adhibeantur.
Minister. 25
In memoriam aetemam erit Justus.
Responsio.
Ab auditu malo non timebit.
Minister.
Justorum animae in manu Dei sunt. ^
Responsio.
Nee attingit illos cruciatus.
Oremus.
Domine Deus, resur^ectio et vita credentium, qui sem-
per es laudandus tam in viventibus, quam in defunctis, 35
agimus tibi gratias pro fundatore nostro N. caetexisqua
1560.] OMhratio eomm Domini infimmriim. £61
benefactoribus nostris, quorum beneficiis hie ad pietatem
et studia literanim alimur; rogantes, nt not his dcmis
ad tuam gloriam recte utentes, una cum illis, ad resor-
rectionis gloriam immortaJem perducamur; per Jesum
5 Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Celebratio coenee Domini in fvnebribus^ si amid et vicnU
defuncti communicare veUnt.
m
CoUecta.
Misericors Dens, Pater Domini nostri Jesu Christi, qui
10 68 resurrectio et yita, in quo qui credidit, etiamsi mor-
tuus fuerit, vivet ; et, in quo qui crediderit et yivit, noa
morietur in aetemum ; quique nos docuisti per sanctum
apostolum tuum Pftulum, non debere mcerere pro dor-
mientibus in Christo, sicut ii, qui spem non habent re-
issurrectionis; humiliter petimus, ut nos a morte peccati
resuscites ad vitam justitise, ut cum ex hac Tita emigra-
mus, dormiamus cum Christo, quemadmodum speramus
himc fratrem nostrum ; et in general] resurrectione, ex-
treme die, nos una cum hoc fiatre nostro resuscitati, et^
20 receptis corporibus, reguemus una tecum in Tita setema ;
per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum. Amen.
Epistola. 1 Thess. iv.
Nolo Tos ignorare fratres de his, qui obdormiemnt^ ne
doleatis, quemadmodum et cseteri non habentes spem.
25 Nam si credimus, quod Jesus mortuus est et resurrexit^
sic et Deus eos, qui obdormierunt, per Jesum, adducet
cum illo. Hoc enim vobis dicimus in verbo Domini,
quod nos, qui vivimus, et reliqui erimus in adventum
Domini, nequaquam praeyeniemus eos, qui dormiunt.
30 Quoniam ipse Dominus cum hortatu et Toce archangeli,
ac tuba Dei descendet de coelo, et mortui in Chiisto
resurgent primimi ; deinde nos, qui Tivemus, qui reliqui
erimus, simul cimi illis rapiemur in nubibus in occursum
S52 Cdebratio ccenoB Domini inftmeribm. [LI.
Domini in aere, et sic semper cum Domino erimus. Pro-
inde consolemini vos mutuo sermonibus his.
Evangelium Johan. vi.
Dixit Jesus discipulis suis et turbis Judaeorum : Omne
quod dat mihi Pater, ad me veniet ; et eum, qui venit 5
ad me, non ejicio foras. Quia descendi de coelo, ut &^
ciam non quod ego volo, sed quod vult is, qui misit me.
Haec est autem voluntas ejus, qui misit me, Patris ; ne
quid perdam ex omnibus, quae dedit mihi, sed resuscitem
ilia in novissimo die. Haec est autem voluntas ejus, qui 10
misit me, ut omnis, qui videt filium, et credit in eum,
habeat vitam setemam, et ego suscitabo eum novissimo
die.
Vel hoc evangelium. Johan. v.
Dixit Jesus discipulis suis et turbis Judaeorum : Amen, 15
amen dico vobis, qui sermonem meum audit, et credit ei,
qui misit me, habet vitam aetemam, et in condemnatio-
nem non veniet, sed transivit a morte in vitam. Amen,
amen dico vobis, quod veniet hora et nimc est, quando
mortui audient vocem Filii Dei, et qui audierint, vivent. 20
Sicut enim Pater habet vitam in semetipso, sic dedit et
Filio habere vitam in semetipso ; et potestatem dedit ei
judicandi quoque, quia Filius hominis. Nolite mirari hoc ;
quia veniet hora, in qua omnes, qui in monimientis sunt,
audient vocem ejus, et prodibimt ; qui bona fecerunt, in as
resurrectionem vitae ; qui vero mala egerunt, in resurrec-
tionem condemnationis.
1560.] Bfdla papas re^WB JEKzabetkcB misia. S58
LII.
Archiepiflc Cant. Anno Chrisd Reg. Anglin
Matth. Parker i. 1560. Elizab. a.
BuUa papcB Pit quarti regiruB ElizabetluB per Vincentium
Parpaliamy abbatem S. Salvatoris missa. Ex Cambd.
Annal. p. 72. seq.
CharissimcB in Christo fili^e Elizabeth€B^ regitue AngluB.
/^HARISSIMA in Christo filia nostra, salutem et apo-
^^ stolicara benedictionem. Quantopere cupiamus, nostra
ita pastoral! officio postulante, saluti tnae consulere, et
5 honori tuo simul regnique stabilitati prospicere, et scru-
tator cordium novit Deus, et ipsa intelligere poteris ex
mandatis, quae dilecto huic filio Vincentio Parpaliae,
abbati sancti Salvatoris, homini tibi noto, nobisque pro-
batissimo, ad te dedimus. Proinde hortamur et mone-
lomus celsitudinem tuam etiam atque etiam, charissima
filia, ut, repudiatis malis suasoribus, qui non te, sed seipsos
amant, suisque ipsorum cupiditatibus, inserviunt, Dei
timorem in consilium adhibeas, tempusque tuae visita-
tionis agnoscens, patemis nostris monitis salutaribusque
15 consiliis obtemperes; omniaque de nobis tibi polliceare,
quae non modo ad animae tuae salutem conservandam,
Bulla papa Pit] " In the month of May this year he [pope Pius IV.]
writeth the queen a letter dated from St. Peter's in Rome, composed in
a gentle and loving style, which is translated into English in Camden's
70 English History of this Queen, and also in the third part of Foxes and
Firebrands.... The nuncio's offers from the pope were said to he these :
to confirm the EkigUsh Liturgy ; to allow the partaking of the Sacra-
ment in both kinds, as it was in Bohemia ; nay, and that he would dis-
annul the sentence against the queen's mother's marriage ; in case she
2$ would rank herself and subjects under the pope of Rome, and own that
see. But she bravely refused, and slighted all these spedouB offers."
Strype, Ann. vol. i. P. i. pp. 339, 340. Collier, vdi. ii. p. 474. Hallam,
Const. Hist. vol. i. p. 123.
254 BUkop JewMi chaUmffe. [UII.
sed etiam ad dignitatem regiam stabiliendam et confir-
mandam pro auctoritate, pro loco, ac munere, quod nobis
a Deo commissum fiiit, a nobis desideraris. Qui te, si ut
optamus, et ut speramus, in ecclesiae gremium redieris,
eodem, quo evangelicus ille pater reversum ad se filium, 5
amore sumus et honore ac laetitia recepturi. Quanquam
eo major nostra Isetitia futura est, quod is unius filii
salute gavisus est, tu tecum una universos Angliae populos
trahens, non solum ex tua, sed ex totius nationis salute,
nos et universitatem firatrum nostrorum, quos propediem, lo
Deo juTante, ad toUendas ha&reses in cecumenioo gene-
ralique concilio congregates audies, et uniyersam eocle-
aiam laetitia gaudioque complebis. Quinetiam ccelum
ipsum exhilarabis ex tam memorabili facto admirabilem
nomini tuo gloriam, et multo splendidiorem ea, quam 15
geris, coronam adeptura. Sed hac de re pluribus Terbis
Vincentius tecum aget, et nostrum tibi patemum animnm
declarabit; quem ut benigne excipias, diligenterque au-
dias, eandemque ut ejus orationi fidem habeas^ quam
haberes nobisipsis, serenitatem tuam rogamus. Datum 30
Romae apud sanctum Petrum, etc. die quinto Maii mdlx.
anno prime.
I
LIII.
Ardiiepisc. Cant Anno Chriiti Reg. Anglis
Matth. Paeker I. 1560. Elizab. i.
Bishop JewelTs challenge.
F any learned men of our adversaries, or all the learned
men, that be alive, be able to bring any one sufficient
Bishop JewelVs challenge] ** As bishop Jewel had preached at oourt 15
this Lent, so he had his day at the Cross, which was the second Sunday
before Easter. In both places he preached that famous sermon
iidierein he openly challenged the papists. And Dr. Cole, late dean of
St. Paul's, for saving the credit of popery, took him up. . . . But Dr.
1560.] BMop JmedTs chaUenpe. 9BS
sentence out of any old catholic doctor, or fikther, or
general council, or holy scripture, or any one example in
the primitive church, whereby it may clearly and plainly
be proved, during the first six hundred years, I. That
5 there was at that time any private mass in the worid.
II. Or that there was then any communion miniBtered to
the people under one kind. III. Or that the people had
their common prayer in a strange tongue, that the pec^le
understood not. IV. Or that the bishop of Rome was
10 then called an universal bidiop, or the head of the uni-
versal church. V. Or that the people were then taught
to believe, that Christ's body is really, substantially, coiv
porally, carnally, or naturally in the sacrament. VI. Or
that his body is, or may be in a thousand places, or more
15 at one time. VII. Or that the priest did then hold up
the sacrament over his head. VIII. Or that the people
did then faU down and worship it with godly honour.
IX. Or that the sacrament was then, or now ought to be
hanged up under a canopy. X. Or that in the sacrament,
ao after the words of consecration, there remain only the
accidents and shows, without the substance of bread and
wine. XI. Or that then the priest divided the sacrament
into three parts, and afterwards received himself all alone.
XII. Or that whosoever had said the sacrament is a
25 figure, a pledge, a token, or a remembrance of Christ's
body, had therefore been judged for an heretic. XIII. Or
that it was lawftd then to have thirty, twenty, fifteen,
Harding of Louyain afterwards undertook the bishop's ehnlltnge more
briskly, giving his answers as well as he could to tiie tweatf-scvea
30 articles distinctly." Strype, Ann. vol. i. P i . p.joOf 301. Wordswortfa's
Eccles. Biog. vol. iv. p. 42. Collier, voLii. p. 461. It would i^pear
that this challenge was first given at Paul's Cross on the 36th of
November 1559, when Jewel was bishop elect of Salisbury, but before
his confirmation and consecration ; which took place in the following
35 January. See Strype, Grindal, p. 40. Ann. voLi. P. i. p^joi . Le Neve's
Fasti, p. 260.
256 Bishop JetffelTs ehallenffe. [LIII.
ten, or five masses said in the same church in one day.
XIV. Or that images were then set up in the churches,
to the intent the people might worship them. XV. Or
that the lay people were then forbidden to read the word
of God in their own tongue. XVI. Or that it was then s
lawful for the priest to pronounce tfie words of conse-
cration closely, or in private to himself. XVII. Or that
the priest had then authority to offer up Christ unto his
Father. XVIII. Or to communicate and receive the
sacrament for another, as they do. XIX. Or to apply lo
the virtue of Christ's death and passion to any man by
the means of the mass. XX. Or that it was then
thought a sound doctrine to teach the people, that mass
" Ex opere operate** (that is, even for that it is said and
done) is able to remove any part of our sin. XXI. Or 15
that any Christian man called the sacrament of the Lord,
his God. XXII. Or that the people were then taught to
believe, that the body of Christ remaineth in the sacra-
ment as long, as the accidents of bread and wine remain
there without corruption. XXIII. Or that a mouse, or «o
any other worm, or beast may eat the body of Christ
(for so some of our adversaries have said and taught.)
XXIV. Or that when Christ said, " Hoc est corpus
meum," the word " Hoc" pointed not the bread, but
" Individuima vagum," as some of them say. XXV. Or n
that the accidents, or forms, or shows of bread and wine
be the sacrament of Christ's body and blood, and not
rather the very bread and wine itself. XXVI. Or that
the sacrament is a sign or token of the body of Christ,
that lieth hidden underneath it. XXVII. Or that igno- 30
ranee is the mother and cause of true devotion. The
conclusion is, that I shall be then content to yield and
subscribe.
1560.] Proelamatum agaitut dtfaetn ofmonMmmtU. 857
LIV.
Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Chrtfti Reg. Anglte
Matth. Parker i. 1560. Elizab. 3.
The queerCs proclamation against dsfacers of monumenti
in churches. Fuller's Ch. Hist, lib^ ix. pag. 66.
Elizabeth.
^T^HE queen's majesty understanding, that by the means
of sundry people, partly ignorant, partly malicious 61*
covetous, there hath been of late years spoiled and broken
5 certain ancient monuments, some of metal, some of stone^
which were erected up as well in churches, as in other
public places within this realm, only to shew a memory
to the posterity of the persons there buried, or that had
been benefactors to the building or dotations of the samye
lo churches or public places, and not to nourish any kind of
superstition ; by which means not only the churches and
places remain at this present day spoiled, broken, and
ruinated, to the offence of all noble and gentle hearts^
and the extinguishing of the honourable and good memory
1 5 of sundry virtuous and noble persons deceased ; but also
the true understanding of divers fiunilies in this realm
(who have descended of the blood of the same persons
deceased) is thereby so darkened, as the true course of
their inheritance may be hereafter interrupted, contrary
2o to justice ; besides many other offences, that do hereof
ensue, to the slander of such, as either gave, or had
charge, in times past, only to deface monuments of idoU
atry and false feigned images, in the churches and abbeys ;
and therefore, although it be very hard to recover things
25 broken and spoiled, yet both to provide that no such bar*
barous disorder be hereafter used, and to repair as much
of the said monuments, as conveniently may be, her
majesty chargeth and commandeth all manner of persons
VOL. I. 8
258 Prodamation agaimt defaceiru ofm^mrnMnU. [LIV.
hereafter to forbear the breaking or defacing of any
parcel of any monument, or tomb, or grave, or other in-
scription, and memory of any person deceased, being in
any manner of place; or to break any image of kings,
princes, or nobles, estates of this realm, or of any other 5
that have been in times past erected and set up for
the only memory of them to their posterity, in com-
mon churches, and not for any religious honour ; or to
break down and deface any image in glass windows in
any churches, without consent of the ordinary, upon pain lo
that whosoever herein shall be found to offend, to be
committed to the next gaol, and there to remain without
bail or main-prize, unto the next coming of the justices
for the delivery of the said gaol, and then to be further
punished by fine or imprisonment (besides the restitution 15
or reedification of the things broken) as to the said jus-
tices shall seem meet; using therein the advice of the
ordinary, and if need shall be, the advice of her majesty's
council in her starchamber. And for such as be already
spoiled in any church or chapel now standing, her majesty «o
chargeth and commandeth all archbishops, bishops, and
other ordinaries, or ecclesiastical persons, which have au-
thority to visit the churches or chapels, to inquire^^by
presentments of the curates, churchwardens, and certain
of the parishioners, what manner of spoils have beents
made, sithence the beginning of her mi^esty's reign, of such
monuments, and by whom ; and if the persons be living,
how able they be to repair and reedify the same; and
thereupon to convent the same persons and to enjoin
them, under pain of excommunication, to repair the same 20
by a convenient day, or otherwise (as the cause shall fur-
ther require) to notify the same to her majesty's councU
in the starchamber at Westminster ; and if any such be
found and convicted thereof not able to repair the same^
that then they be enjoined to do open penance two or 35
tliree times in the church, as to the quality of the ornne
1560.J ProclanuUion eigaimt (kfacer$ of mtmiii/K^^ 25d
and party belongeth, under the like pain of excommimi-
cation ; and if the party that offended be dead, and the
executors of the will left, having sufficient in their hands
unadministered, and the ofience notorious^ the ordinary of
5 the place shall also enjoin them to repair or reediiy the
same, upon like or any other convenient pain, to be de-
vised by the said ordinary. And when the offender
cannot be presented, if he be in any cathedral or colle-
giate church, which hath any revenue belonging to it,
>o that is not particularly allotted to the sustentation of any
person certain, or otherwise, but that it may remain in
the discretion of the governor thereof, to bestow the
same upon any other charitable deed, as mending of the
highways or such like ; her majesty enjoineth and straitly
15 chargeth the governors, and companies of every such
church, to employ such parcels of the said sums of money
(as any wise may be spared) upon the speedy repair or re-
edification of any such monuments so defaced, or spoiled,
as agreeable to the original, as the same conveniently
«o may be.
And whereas the covetousness of certain persons is
such, that as patrons of churches, or owners of the par-
sonages impropriated, or by some other colour or pretence
they do persuade with the parson and parishioners to
35 take or throw down the bells of the churches and chapels^
and the lead of the same, converting the same to their
private gain, and to the spoils of the said places, and make
such like alterations, as thereby they seek a slanderous
desolation of the places of prayer ; her majesty (to whom
30 in the right of the crown, by the ordinance of Almighty
God, and by the laws of this realm, the defence and pro-
tection of the church belongeth) doth expressly forbid
any manner of person to take away any bells or lead of
any church or chapel, under pain of imprisonment, during
35 her majesty's pleasure, and such further fine for the con-
tempt, as shall be thought meet.
s 2
260 Queen EKzabetVs letter about new [LV.
And her majesty chargeth all bishops and ordinaries, to
inquire of all such contempts done from the beginning of
her majesty's reign, and to enjoin the persons offending
to repair the same within a convenient time ; and of their
doings in this behalf, to certify her majesty's privy council, 5
or the council in the starchamber at Westminster ; that
order may be taken herein. Given at Windsor the 19th
of Sept. the second year of her majesty's reign.
LV.
Archiepiac. Cant. Anno Chriiti Reg. AngiuB
Matth. Parker a. 1560. Elizab. 3.
Queen Elizabeth's letter about new lessons in the calendar
before the common prayer book. Ex Reg. Parker,
fol. 215. a.
By the qtteene.
Elizabeth. io
IVyfOSTE reverend father in God, right trusty and
right well beloved, right reverend father in God,
right trustie and wel beloved, trustie and right well
Queen Elizabeth* 8 letter] The Book of Common Prayer as revised
and anthorized by act of parliament in the year 1559, contained a list 15
of " certain lessons to be used on every Sonday in the year" (stat.
I EHiz. cap. 2. §. 3.) in addition to the " proper lessons for divers
feasts and days" which had been provided in the second Service Book
of king Edward. The selection however was not in all respects com-
plete and satisfactory ; and some other matters calling at the same 30
time for correction, the queen addressed the present letter to the ardi-
bishop of Canterbury, the bishop of London, Dr. Bill her almoner^ and
Dr. Haddon, master of requests, being desirous that uniformity and
good order should be observed. It appears however from the Admo-
nition prefixed to the Second Book of Homilies, first published in the 95
year 1564, that some discretion was still allowed, and even recom-
mended to be used, in the choice of lessons. The words of the Admo-
15^0 lessons in tie calendar. S61
beloved, and trustie and wel beloved; we greet you
well. Letting you to understande^ that where it is pro-
vided by acte of parliament, holden in the first yere of
our reigne, that whensoever we shall see cause to take
5 further order in any rite or ceremonie, appointed in the
book of common prayer, and our pleasure knowne
therein, either to our commissioners for causes eccle--
siasticall, or to the metropolitane, that then eftsoones
consideration should be had therein ; we therefore under-
lo standing, that there be in the said book certain chapiters
for lessons, and other things appointed to be read, which
might be supplyed with other chapiters or parcells of
scripture, tending to the hearing of the unlearned or laye
people more to their edification ; and that furthermore in
.5 sundry churches and chappells, where divine service, as
prayer, preaching, and ministration of the sacraments be
used, there is such negligence, and lacke of convenient
reverence used towardes the comelye keeping, and order
of the said churches, and especially of the upper parte,
^o nition are, " where it may so chance some one or other chapter of the
Old Testament to fedl in order to be read upon the Sundays or holy-
days which were better to be changed with some other of the New
Testament of more edification, it shall be weU done to spend your time
to consider well of such chapters beforehand/' And even at a later
25 period " Dr. G. Abbot (afterwards archbishop of Canterbury) did
reckon this liberty, granted in the said Admonition, to be in force even
in his time .... saying, ' It is not only permitted to the minister but
commended to him, if wisely and quietly he do read canonical scrip-
ture, where the apocryphal upon good judgment seemeth not so fit ;
30 or any chapter of the canonical may be conceived not to have in it so
much edification before the simple, as some othor parts of the same
canonical may be thought to have. For the words will very weU carry
both these.'" Strype, Ann. vol. i. I^, 2. p. 105. P. i. p. 336. Ptffker,
vol. i. p. 168. The Order for Lessons adopted in the reign of EHiza-
35 beth has since undergone some fiew alterations ; and it will probably be
admitted that, whatever might have been the case formerly, there is no
reason to suppose that any such liberty of chang^g one lesson for an-
other has been allowed since the passing of the last act of uniformity^
sS
262 Qiiem ElizctbetJCs letter aJkowt new [LV.
called the chancels, that it breedeth no small ofl^nce
and slaunder, to see and consider, on the one part, the
cnriositie and costes bestowed by all sortes of men upon
there private houses, and the other part, the uncleane or
negligent order, or sparekeeping of the house of prayer, 5
by permitting open decaies, and mines of coveringes,
walls, and wyndowes, and by appointing unmeet and
unseemly tables, with fowle clothes, for the communion
of the sacraments, and generally leavynge the place of
prayers desolate of all cleanlynes, and of meet oma- «o
ments for such a place, whereby it might be known a
place provided for divine service ; have thought good to
require you our said commissioners, so authorized by our
great seale for causes ecclesiasticall, or foure of you,
whereof we will you Matthew, archbishop of Canterbury ; »5
Edmund, bishop of London ; William Bill, our almoner ;
and Walter Haddon, one of the masters of our requestes,
to be always two, to peruse the order of the said lessons
throughout the whole yere, and to cause some new
calenders to be imprinted, whereby such chapters or «>
parcells of less edification may be removed, and other
more profitable may supply their rooraes; and further
also to consider, as becometh, the forsaide great disorders
in the decaies of churches and in the unseemly keepings
and order of the chauncells, and such like, and according n
to your discretions to determyne upon some good and
speedy meanes of reformation, and amongst other things
to order, that the tables of the commandments may be
comlye set, or hung up in the east end of the chaunceU,
to be not only read for edification, but also to give some 30
comlye ornament and demonstration, that the same is a
place of religion and prayer; and diligently to provide,
that whatsoever ye shall devise, either in this, or any
other like pointe, to the reformation of this disorder, that
the order and reformation be of one sorte and fieu^on, 3S
and that the thinges prescribed may accord in one fonne»
1560.] lessons in the calendar. MS
as nighe as they may ; specially, that in all collegiate and
cathedral churches, where cost may be more probablie
allowed, one manner be used ; and in all parish churches
also, either the same, or at the least, the like, and one
5 manner throughout our realme : and further, we will
that, where we have causid our book of commo^ service
to be translated into the Latin tongue, for the use and
exercise of such studentes, and other learned in the Latin
tongue ; we will also that by your wisdome and discre-
10 tions, ye prescribe some good orders to the coU^ate
churches, to which we have permitted the use of the
divine service and prayer in Latin tongue, in such sorte
as ye shall consider to be most mete to be used, in re-
spect of their companies, or of resorte of our laye sub-
15 jectes to the said churches, so that our good purpose in
the said translation be not frustrated, nor be corruptlie
abused, contrarie to the effect of our meaning. And for
the publication of that, which you shall order, we will
and require you, the archbishop of Cant, to see the same
20 put in execution throwghout your province, and that
you, the rest of our commissioners beforementioned, pre-
scribe the same to the archbishop now nominated of
York, to be in like manner set forth in that province,
and that the alteration of any thing hereby ensuing, be
95 quietly done, without shew of any innovation in the
church. And these our letters shall be your sufficient
warrant in this behalf. Yeaven under our signet at our
palace of Westminster the 22d. day of Januaiye, the
thirde yere of our reign.
30 To the mast reverend fa^er in God^ our right trueiie
and right well beloved Matthew^ archbishop of Canter'
bury; the right reverend father in God^ our right
trustie and tvel beloved Edmundf by shop of London^
and to the rest of our eommiseianers far causes
•^5 ecclesiastical.
84
^64 Artidei agreed upon at Lamibkk. [LVI.
LVI.
Archiepiic. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Angliw
Matth. Parker 2. 1561. Elizas. 3.
Articles agreed upofi at the second session t?i Lambeth the
I2th day of Aprils A.D. 1561, by the most reverend
fathers in God^ Matthew^ Uyrd archbishop of Cant.
Thomas^ lord archbishop of Yo^*k^ with the assent of
their brethren the bishops to the same. Ex Reg.
Parker.
THIRST, That the articles agreed on at the first ses-
sion, be ratyfied, confirmed, and put in execution
accordingly.
Item, That readers be once agen by every ordinarie
reviewed, and there abilitie and manners examined, and 5
by discretion of the ordinarys to remayne in ther office,
or to be removed, and ther wages to be ordered; and
the abstinence of mechanical sciences to be also enjoyned
by the discretion of the said ordinaries as well to min-
isters, as to readers, 10
Item, That the declaration devised for unitye of doc-
trine, may be enjoyned to be used throughout the realme
uniformly.
Articles agreed upon] " The archbishop of Canterbury, with Thomas
archbishop of York, the bishops of London and Ely, and some others 15
of the ecclesiastical commission, were now sitting at Lambeth, upon
the regulating and ordering of the matters of the church. And on
the 1 2th day of April (being their second session) certain articles were
agreed upon.** Strype, Parker, vol. i. p. 194.
1561 ArHctes ciffreed up(m c^ Lambeih. !i65
De non hcaiid. beneficia vel aliquam inde parceUam.
Item, At the institution of every parson, or curate
they be examined by othe, upon these articles following :
r For alienation of there glebe lands,
5 Of secrete J For the forgeaving of the patrons tithes,
compacts ] For pensions newly exacted,
I For summes of money and other contributions,
with intimation to them, if they be after founde culpa-
ble in any of the same, to be deprived. And for the
10 tyme to comme either to receive voluntary bands, " Ad
usum reginse vel alicujus hospitalis pauperum de non
locando sine consensu ordinarii.**
Item, That no curate or minister be permitted to serve
without examination, and admission of the ordinarie, or
>5 his deputies in writing, having respect to the greatness of
the cure, and the meteness of the partie ; and that the
said ministers, yf they remove from one dioces to an-
other, be by no meanes admitted to serve without tes-
timonie of the diocesan, from whence he cometh, in
20 wrytinge.
Item, That all old service books, grailes, antipho-
nars, and other be defiEU^ and abolished by order in
visitations.
Item, That besides the catechisme for children, which
3 5 Item, That besides the catechisme] The Catechism in the Book of
Common Prayer did not as yet contain the doctrine of the sacTBments
(which was introduced in the reign of James I.), and was intended
solely for children previously to confirmation. The knowledge ob«
tained from it was then thought sufficient to qualify a person for be-
$0 coming a communicant, as appears from the following article of the
queen's visitors (anno 1559), "Whether they have admonished their
parishioners that they ought not to presume to receive the sacrament
of the body and blood of Christ, before they can say perfectly the
Lord's Prayer, the Articles of the fiedth, and the Ten Commandments
35 in English." So that the circnmstanoes of the case suggested the
S66 Articles agreed upon at LambeA. [LVI.
are to be confirmed, an other summewhat longer may be
devised for communicants, and the thirde in Laten for
scholes.
composition of another Catechism for the further instruction of com-
municants, and a third to be written in Latin, and drawn up at greater 5
length, for the use of those who enjoyed the benefit of a liberal educa-
tion. A Catechism of this last description had been much wanted.
In 1547 the Catechism of Erasmus had been ordered to be used in
Winchester college and elsewhere, (Wilkins, Cone. p. 9.) In 1553
the Catechism of king Edward, usuaUy ascribed to bishop Poinet, was 10
directed by royal authority to be used in all schools. But other com-
pilations obtained from the continent, such as the smaller and larger
Catechisms of Calyin, first published in Latin in the years 1538 and
1545, and afterwards repubUshed in various forms and several lan-
guages, (Walchii Bibl. Theol. tom. i. p. 509,) and the more popular 15
Catechisms of the Helvetic reformers, such as CEcolampadius (i545)»
Leo Judas (1553), and more especially BuUinger (i559> Walchii Bibl.
Theol. tom. i. p. 507), had been adopted by many teachers, and occa->
sioned much complaint as to the want of a uniform system of religioiis
instruction. Even in the year 1578, when the deficiency had been 20
corrected by the pubUcation of dean Nowell's Catechisms, and the ex-
clusive use of them had been enjoined in the canons of i57i> the
Catechisms of Calvin and BuUinger were still ordered by statute to be
used, as well as others, in the university of Oxford. (Wood, Ann.
vol. ii. p. 193) ... It is probable that when the bishops drew up this 25
article, dean Nowell was already employed in preparing the kind of
Catechism that was required. Strype says that he undertook the task
under the advice and at the instigation of secretary Cecil, (Ann. vol. i.
P. I. p. 525); but the letter he addressed to Cecil, and on which
Strype appears to have rehed for his information, affords no sufficient 30
evidence of it, and seems rather to imply that the undertaking arose
out of his own conviction that some such compendium, to be approved
by pubUc authority, was much wanted. It is not improbable that he
first felt this want several years before, when he was head master of
Westminster school ; but it is certain that he had completed his work 35
in the year 1 562, as it was ready for examination on the assemUing
of the well-known synod, which was summoned to meet on the nth
of November in that year. It was not published however till the yev
1570, and it then came forth in two separate forms, the larger Cate-
chism intended to be used in places of liberal education, and the 40
abridgment designed for more general purposes. The fatter
T56 1 .] Articles ayreed upon at Lamheth. 267
Item, That prestes deprived, and other private chap-
lens, be commanded by the ordinarys direction in this
great necessity, to minister in cures, or else to be accord-
ing to law excommunicated, and the excommunication
5 effectually prosecuted.
Item, It is agreed, that all such marriages, as have
been contracted within the Levitical degrees, be dis-
solved, and namely those, who have married two sisters,
one after another, who are by common consent judged to
10 be within the case.
Item, It is agreed to give 20^. to every bishop of
Cant, province to the metropolitical church there, so that
translated into English and published by John Day, in the year 1572.
Strype, Parker, vol. ii. p. 17. Ann. vol. i. P. i. p. 525. Churton's
15 Newel, p. 165. Jacobson's Prefoce to the Oxf. edit. 1835. Comp.
Nos. CIX. CXXXII. CLV.
Item, It is agreed to give'] This appears to have been a compoflition
for certain claims which the dean and chapter of Canterbury had on
the several bishops of the province, as, for instance, in the case of their
20 consecration. Wharton says, in his notes on Strype, (see Parker,
vol. i. p. 123. vol. ii. p. 1047,) "From 1335 to 1540 I dare confi-
dently aver that no bishop of the province of Canterbury had been
consecrated by the archbishops, or by any other by their comniiBsion,
in any church or place without the metropolitieal chiirch of Ctnter-
25 bury, without license first desired and obtained in writing from the
chapter of Canterbury under their seal ; if we except only two or
three cases between the years 1335 and 1300; which were the occa-
sions of great controversies between the archbisbope conseerating and
the bishops consecrated on the one part, and the chapter of Canter-
30 bury on the other part ; which yet always ended to the advantage ol
the chapter, and the further confirmation of their privilege therein."
The claim of the chapter had been acknowledged on the consecration
of bishop Bonner in the year 1540, and the numerous oonsecratione
which had taken place in 1559 and 1560 hiid probably led to the
35 arrangement expressed in thia article ; the last clause of which is a
stipulation in favour of Peter Alexander, a learned foreigner, who had
been deprived of his prebend in the time of queen Mary, but was re-
stored by queen Elizabeth. Le Neve's Fksti, p. 17. Rjrmer's Foideni,
vol. XV. p. 599. Archbishop Plnker's Antiq. Britan. Sed. p. s6.
S68 InftmcHons to he confessed [LVII.
hit be registred as a composition between us and the
churche for all demands and requests; and the same
presently to be converted to D. Alexander's use for his
clayme.
^A contribution to be made by the^
For the readers of archbishops and bishops, for learned
Cambridge and< strangers reading, for stipend, and
Oxford. expense of journey, according to
the rate of our revenneues.
Matthaeus Cant. lo
Edm. London.
Richard. Ely.
LVII.
Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christi R^. Angliae
Matth. Parker 2. 1561. Elizab. 3.
Injunctions to be confessed and subscribed by them^ that
shall be admitted readers,
T NPRIMIS, I shall not preache or interprete, but only
read that, which is appointed by publick authoritie.
Injunctions to be confessed] ** Readers were ordained to supply the 15
necessity of the church at this juncture. They were to serve in small
livings, where there was no minister, and to supply till they were filled. . .
They were taken out of the laity, tradesmen or others ; any that was
of soher conversation and honest behaviour, and that could read and
write . . . They seemed not wholly to forbear their callings, but were «o
not countenanced to follow them, especially if they were mechanicals"
Strype, Ann. vol. i. P. i. pp. 515. 265. These injunctions were con-
firmed in the convocation of 1562, but the church was much re>
proached on account of its readers, and they were gradually discon-
tinned. This middle plan had evidently been devised, on the one *5
hand to secure parishes from being entirely destitute of all religioiis
J^6i .] hy them^ that shall be admitted readers, S69
I shall read the service appointed playnlie, distinctlie,
and audiblie, that all the people may heare and under-
stand.
I shall not minister the sacraments, nor other publick
5 rits of the church, but burie the dead, and purifie women
after their childbirthe.
I shall keep the register book according to the
injunctions.
I shall use sobrietie in apparel, and especiallj in the
«o church at common prayers.
I shall move men to quiet and concord, and not geve
them cause of offence.
I shall bring in to my ordinarie testimonie of my be-
haviour from the honest of the parishe, where I dweU,
IS within one half yere next following.
I shall give place upon convenient warning, so thought
by the ordinarie, if any learned minister shall be placed
there, at the sute of the patrone of the parishe.
I shall clayme no more of the fructs sequestred of
30 such, then I shall serve, but as it shall be thought mete
to the wisdome of the ordinarie.
I shall daylie at the least reade one chapter of the
Old Testament, and one other of the Newe, with good
advisement to the increase of my knowledge.
25 I shall not appoynte in my rome by reason of my
absence, or sickness, any other man, but shall leave it
to the sute of the parish to the ordinarie, for assignynge
some other able man.
I shall not read, but in poorer parishes destitute of
30 incumbents, excepte in the tyme of sickness, or for other
good considerations to be allowed by the ordinary.
teaching, and on the other to prevent the admiiMMon of mechanics and
other illiterate persons into holy orders, a practice which had recently
existed, and was strictly forhidden hy archhishop P^ker in the year
35 1560. Strype, Parker, vol. i. p. i8o. Wood, Ann. voL ii. p. 152.
270 The queen's letter to tie arehbUhop of Cant. [LVII I.
Far deacmis.
I shall not openlie intermeddle with anj artificeiB'
occupations, as covetously to seke a gen thereby, haying
in ecclesiastical ly ving the summe of 80 nobles or above
by yere. s
Matthaeus Cant. Thomas Ebor.
Edmund London. Johannes Carleolen.
llobertus Winton. Guliel. Chester.
Richardus Elien. Guliel. Exon.
Jo. Sarum. Gilb. Bathon. et Wellen. ««
Richardus Gloucester.
LVIII.
Ardiiepuic Cant. Anno Christi Reg. AngiiB
Matth. Parker 2. 1561. Elizab. 3.
The queerCs letter to the archbishop of Canterburjfy about
St PauTs church. — Ex Reg. Parker, fol. 231. a.
By the queue.
TV/TOST reverend father in God, we grete you well.
Althoughe we knowe there nedeth no meanes to
provoke you to further the reedifieng of the church of «s
St. Poules, in our citie of London, being the same both
The queen's letter] ** On Wednesday June 4, 1561, happened a ter-
rible fire in the magnificent cathedral of London, St. Paul's church ;
which burnt down the lofty spire steeple, struck with lightning within
three yards of the top ; and the upper roof of the church and aisles, w
consuming the covering wholly : and all done within the space of four
hours. Whereat the queen was much touched, and thought seriously
of speedy reparation, judging the religion as well as the honor of the
nation concerned in it." Strype, Parker, vol. i. p. 184. "The queen
went before in this good work by her own example, and gave, as our 15
city historian (Stow) relates, a thousand marks in gold, and a thousand
load of timber. The city granted a benevolence, and the clergy were
directed to grant theirs." Strype, Grindal, p. 83. Ann. vol. i. P. i.
p. 401. Collier, vol. 2. p. 475. Stowe. p. 646.
15 5i.] Th(> archhishop's l*ifer ahotU Sf. Pmtfs (^urcl. «71
in respecte of christian religion, and for the honour of
our realm, a right necessarie work to be finished, and
that with spede, whereby the use of prayer and divine
service may be restored, and the feme and renown by
5 such a worke duelie recovered ; yet to joyn our authoritie
with your devotion and good will, we do authorise you
by waye of any manner of usuall or other good con-
ference with the bishops of your province, and the prin-
cipal members of the clergy thereof, to devise uppon
lo some contribution of money, and relief to be levied and
collected of the same clergy, wherein we meane neither
to prescribe to you the manner of levieng, nor the
somme to be contributed, but referr the same to your
wisdome, and the consideration of so greate a work ; and
15 if you shall think meete to be informed therein, upon any
special duobte, then to resorte to our counsell, who in
that behalf shal geve you knowledge and devise of that,
which shall be convenient. Yeven under our signet at
our manner of Grenewiohe the 24th. of June, the third
«o yere of our reigne.
The archbuhofs letter to the bishop of Londcfiy about the
same. — Ibidem.
A ITER my right hartie commendations unto your
lordship premised ; having reoeaved the quenes
majesties lettres, the tenor wherof I send to you here-
with, I have thought good for the better accomplishment
25 of her majesties pleasure herein, to require your lordship,
that not only upon conference with the clergie of your
diocess, you do resolve yourselves upon such reasonable
imposition and contribution to be collected and answered
of our said clergie, towards the reedifying of the church
30 of Paules, as may seme correspondent to their several
states and prefermentes in Ijrvinge; but also that you
do with all convenient spede signifie the tenor of the
S7S The archbishcp'a letter about St PauTs cAurcR. [LVIII.
quenes majesties said lettres to the residue of the bushopd
of my province, requiring them to do the like in their
severall dioces : doing your lordship further to understand,
that I think this rate to be the lest, that will be ac-
cepted, that the clergie of your diocess of London shold 5
paie and contribute the twentith parte of their spirituall
promotions, and the clergie of everie other diocess of my
province, being not in their first fruictes, to pay the thir-
teth part, and they, which be in their first fruictes, to
pay only the fortith part of their said promotions, accord- lo
ing to the rate taxed in the quenes majesties bookes;
alwaies provided, that stipendaries, and curates, and all
such beneficed men, which by order of the statute paie
no first fruictes, be not in any wise charged herein, unless
it be by your good perswasion ; and that aswell your lord- 15
ship for yourself, as also all other my brethren the by-
shops of my province, by your commandment, to send
me your and their resolute order and answer herein vrith
such convenient spede, as you and they may. And thus
far you most hartilie well. From my manner of Croidon ao
the first day of July, M.d.lxi.
Your loving brother,
Matthew Cant.
To the right reverend father in God, the bushop of
London yeve thes.
ij6i.] Que&n Mizaiethe vyuiMtitm 4-0 SKTS
LXIX.
Archiepisc Cant. Anno Chritti R^. Anglue
Matt. Parker 9. 1561. Elizab. 3.
Queen Elizabeths injunctions for the better government of
cathedrals. John Weever*s funeral monuments, p. 184.
seq.
By the queen.
T^HE queen's majesty considering, how the pallaces
and houses of cathedrall churches and colledges of
this realme have ben both of ancyent and late tyme
buylded and inclosed in severall to susteyne and kepe
5 socyeties of learned men, professing study, and prayer for
the edification of the church of God, and so consequently
to serve the common weale ; and understanding of late,
that within the houses hereof as well the chiefe gover-
nours, as the prebendaries^ students, and members thereof
lo Queen Elizabeth's injtMctions'] This injunction bears date the 9th of
August. On the 1 2th of the same month secretary Cecil writes thus
to the archbishop " Her majesty continueth very ill-affected to the state
of matrimony in the clergy. And if I were not therein very stiff, her
majesty would utterly and openly condemn and forbid it In the end,
15 for her satisfiEiction, this injunction now sent to your grace is devised.
The good order thereof shall do no harm. I have devised to send it in
this sort to your grace for your province, and to the archbishop of
York for his ; and to the chancellors of the two universities for their
charge ; so as it shall not be promulged to be popular." Strype, Pu*-
10 ker, vol. i. p. 214. The queen's strong feeling on this subject is shewn
in a letter written soon afterwards by the archbishop to the secretary,
in the following words : " I was in a horror to hear such words to come
from her mild nature, and christianly learned conscience, as she spake
concerning Grod's holy ordinance and institution of matrimony. I mar-
H vailed that our states in that behalf cannot please her highness, which
we doubt nothing at all to please God's sacred majesty, and trust to
stand before God's judgment seat in a good conscience therewith, for
all the glorious shine of counterfeited chastity." Strype, Fkurker, vol. iii.
p. 50. Comp. Bum. Ecdes. Law. art marriage of priests, vol. ii.
30 p. 453-
VOL. I. T
S74 Queen EKzalet1C$ vajwMtionSy (Jrc. [LXI.
being married, do keepe particular housholds with their
wives, children, and nurses, whereof no small offence
groweth to th* entent of the founders, and to the quiet
and orderly profession of studie and learning "within the
same ; hath thought meete to provide remedie herem, lest 5
by sufferance thereof, the rest of the colledges, specially
such as be replenished with young students, as the very
roomes and buildings be not answerable for such families
of women, and young children, should follow the like
example. And therefore expressly willeth and command- 10
eth, that no manner of person, being either the head or
member of any colledge or cathedral church within this
realme, shall from the time of the notification hereof in
the same colledge, have, or be permitted to have within
the precinct of any such colledge his wife or other 15
woman to abide and dwell in the same, or to frequent
and haunt any lodging within the said colledge, upon
pain that whosoever shall do to the contrary, shall for-
feite all ecclesiasticall promotions in any cathedrall or
collegiate church within this realme. And for continu- 10
ance of this order, her majestie willeth, that the tran-
script hereof shall be written in the booke of the statutes
of every such colledge, and shall be reputed as parcell of
the statutes of the same. Yeven under our signet at our
towne of Ipswiche the ninth of August, in the third yeare «5
of our reigne.
I5i6.] ArcMp. of Canieriury't letter eibout residenee. 275
LX.
Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christ! R^. Anglin
Mattu. Parker 2. 1561. Elizab. 3.
The archbishop of Canterburjf's letter desiring a eertificaie
about the residing clergy y etc. — Ex. MS. C. C. C. Can-
tab, miscell. iv. p. 8.
A ITER my heartie commendations, these shall be to
desire and require you to certify me so speedily, as
you may, of all and singular parsons, vicars, and curates
within your and how many of them be resident ;
5 and where the absents do dwell and remain ; how many
of them be neither priests nor deacons ; noting the names
of all such as be learned and able to preach, whether
married or unmarried, of what degree, and which of them
(being already licensed to preach) do preach accordingly.
lo And finally how many of them do commonly keep hospi-
tality. And that your certification in that behalf be con-
ceived and made according to the form herein inclosed.
And thus trusting of your diligence herein, I wish you
well to fare. From my manner of Lambeth the first of
15 October, A. D. Mdlxi.
your loving friend,
Matthew Cantuar.
Tlie archbishop q/*] This is the order usually issued for a return of
the clergy, but differing in this respect from the common form, that, to
20 gratify the queen's strong impressions on the subject of marriage, it
enquires ** whether married or unmarried." A like order was issued
in the year 1567, but without the same enquiry. See Wilk. Cone. vol.
iv. p. 252. The queen's attention had in the meantime been fixed on
more important differences.
T 2
S76 A proclamation made for the revetmd [XLI.
LXI.
Archiepisc. Cant Anno Christi Reg. AngliB
Matth. Parker 4. 1561. Elizab. 3.
A proclamation made for the reverend usage of all churches
and churchyards. — Strype's Life of Grindal, p. 56.
By the queen.
T7M3R avoiding of divers outragious and unseemly beha^
^ viours used as well within and near the cathedral
church of St. Paul in London, as in divers other churches
of this realm ; and for the better and speedier reducing 5
of the same churches to the godly uses, for which the
same were builded ; the queen's majesty of her godly and
virtuous disposition straightly chargeth and commandeth,
that all laws and good ordinances heretofore provided
against fighting and quarrelling in churches and church- 10
yards, shall be duly and with all severity executed, ac-
cording to the tenor and true meaning of the said laws
and ordinances. And further her majesty's pleasure is,
that if any person shall make any fray, or draw or put
out his hand to any weapon for that purpose, or shoot 15
A proclamation made] " The gpreat and common concourse of people
in these days, and before these days, was usually at Paul's, for the sake
of walking and talking, and hearing and telling of news, and meeting
upon assignation and business, and pa3nnent of money and such like :
which occasioned great routs and tumults and quarrels oftentimes, tp so
the profaning of that place, set apart for devotion and ^the service of
God." Strype, Grindal, p. 83. The practice continued for many
years afterwards ; for we have the following passage in Osborne's Life
of King James, p. 65. "It was the feushion of those times, and did so -
continue till these, for the principal gentry, lords, courtiers, and men of ts
all professions not merely mechanick, to meet in Paul's church by 1 1
and walk in the middle ile till 12, and after dinner from 3 to 6;
during which time some discoursed of business, others of news J
«•
15 1 <$•] wage ofaU churohes and ehurdyards. 2T7
any hand gun or dagg within the cathedral church of St.
Paul, or churchyard adjoining thereunto, or within the
limits of the four chains compassing the same, or within
any other church or churchyard, shall receive not only
5 the punishment contained in the statutes for the same
provided ; but also, being thereof convicted either by the
evidence of his fSeu^t, testimony of two honest and indif-
ferent persons, or by then* ovm confession before her
highness's council in the starchamber, or the mayor for
>o the time being within the city of London ; and in other
places out of the same city, before two justices of the
peace of that country or place, where any of the said
offences shall be committed, shall suffer imprisonment by
the space of two months, without bail or mainprize, and
15 further pay such fine and forfeiture towards the reparation
of the said church of St. Paul, or of other churches, where
the same offence shall be committed, as shall be assessed
by the said council, mayor, or justices, before whom such
conviction shall be, as is aforesaid.
)o And her majesty further straitly chargeth and com-
mandeth all and singular her subjects, that none of them^
during the time of preaching within the said church of
St. Paul's, or churchyard of the same, or of any divinity
lecture, reading, or divine service in the said church, or
15 in any other church or churchyard vdthin the realm, shall
walk up and down, or use any kind of disturbance, or
spend the time in the same about any bargain, or other
profane causes ; but shall resort unto the conmion prayer,
preaching, or reading, and there quietly and reverently
30 behave themselves, as to the duty of Christian men ap-
pertaincth ; or else quietly to avoid out of the said church
or place, upon pain of imprisonment, and of such further
fine, as is aforesaid : the fine always to be converted to
the repair of the church, where the offence shall be
35 committed.
Her majesty also straitly chaigeth and conmiandeth,
T 8
S78 A proelamattm made for the reverend [XLIj
that all persons do forbear to make, from h^ioefbrth, an]r
limitation or appointment, by writing or otherwise, tot
the payment of any sum or sums of money, within the
said church of St. Paul's, or in any other church or
chapel, where divine service is or shall be used, and the 5
word of God preached ; or to carry or recarry any bur-
then, fardel, or other unseemly thing through the said
churches, other than for the repairing, or other necessaries
of the same churches, upon pain of imprisonment, and
further punishment by fine, as is aforesaid. »o
Provided always, that it shall be lawful as well to any
persons, which at this present stand bound by any former
covenant or bond to make any payment of any sum or
sums of money in any church, or other place aforesaid, to
make tender and payment of the same ; as also to every 15
such person and persons, to whom the same is or shall
be due, to receive the same in such place, wh^e it is
limited to be tendered and paid ; unless the parties
(which is trusted they will, for good order sake) shall
otherwise agree ; this proclamation to the contrary not- «©
withstanding.
And for the better execution of this proclamation, her
majesty's pleasure and express commandment is, that the
mayor, aldermen, sheriffs, and other her officers, and com-
mons of her city of London, and every of them, do not as
only aid and assist, and help the bishop of the said see
and church of St. Paul's, for the time being, and other
ecclesiastical officers and ministers of the same, from time
to time, in the due execution of the premises, as need
shall require ; but also, that the said mayor of London 30
shall appoint, every Sunday and other holidays in the
year, during such time, and at every time they shall be
thought by the bishop or dean of the church requisite,
one or two of the aldermen of the said city of London,
accompanied with four or six discreet commoners of the $$
said city, and attended upon with a convenient number
i5<$i0 usage ofaU ciureAet and eiwcfyardt, S79
of the Serjeants and officers of the said city, to repair
unto the said church of St. Paul, there to see the pre-
mises duly executed in aU pomts accordingly.
And if they shall find any person disobedient or
^ offending in any thing, touching the premises, to appre-
hend and commit him forthwith to prison, there to
remain without bail or mainprize, until further order he
taken with the said offenders, in form aforesaid. And
finally, her majesty straitly chargeth and commandeth all
'<> and singular her justices of the peace, mayors, sheriffs,
bailiffs, constables, headboroughs, churchwardens, and all
other her highnesses officers, ministers, and subjects, that
they, and every of them, from time to time, endeavour
themselves, to the best of their powers, to cause and see,
■5 that this her majesty's proclamation and express com-
mandment within the limits of their jurisdictions and
parishes be put in due and full exiecution, according to
the form abovementioned ; as they tender her msjettfi
special favour, and will avoid the contrary at their peril.
^o Yeven at St. James's, the 80th of October, in the third
year of the reign of Elizabeth, etc. anno Domini
Mdlxi.
T 4
880 Q. MixaiethU letter for /aaing duriiig Oe fiagut. [LXII.
LXII.
Archiepiac. Caul. Anno Chritti R^. Anglue
Matth. Parkeb 3. 1562. Elizab. 5.
Queen Elizabeth's letter to the archbishop^ authorizing his
prayers and orders for fasting during the plague.
Strype's life of archb. Parker, app. p. 84.
By the queen.
Elizabeth.
TVyf OST reverend father in God, right trusty and right
well beloved, we greet you well. Like as almighty
God hath of his mere grace conmiitted to us, next under
him, the chief government of this realm and the people
therein ; so hath he, of his like goodness, ordered under 5
us sundry principal ministers, to guide and assist us in
this burden. And therefore considering the state of this
present time, wherein it hath pleased the most highest,
for the amendment of us and our people to visit certain
places of our realm with more contagious sickness, than 10
lately hath been ; for remedy and mitigation whereof, we
think it both necessary and our bounden duty, that uni-
versal prayer and fasting be more effectually used in this
our realm. And understanding that you have thought
and considered upon some good orders to be prescribed 15
therein, for the which ye require the application of our
authority, for the better observation thereof amongst our
people ; we do not only commend and allow your good
Queen Elizabeth's letter.'] Tliis appears to have been the first ge«
neral fast enjoined by authority in the reign of queen fHizabeth ; and so
the circumstances that gave occasion to it, the manner in which it was
proposed and conducted by the bishops, and the rules laid down for tiie
due observance of it, are stated at length, by Strype, Fvrksr, vol. L
pp. 359 — 267. Grindal, p. io6. See also No. LXXXV.
i5$2*] Form of ilmihgMng for the qMm^» reeowry. 881
zeal therein, but do also command all manner our min-
isters ecclesiastical or civil, and all other our subjects to
execute, follow, and obey such godlj and wholesome
orders, as you, being primate of all England, and metro-
5 politan of this province of Canterbury, upon godly advice
and consideration, shall uniformly devise, prescribe, and
publish for the universal usage of prayer, fasting, and
other good deeds during the time of this visitation by
sickness and other troubles. Yeven under our signet at
lo our manour of Richmond the first day of August, the fifth
year of our reign.
LXIII.
Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Chritti R^. Anglia
Matth. Parkeb 3. 1563. Elizas. 5.
Order for a form of prayer of ihanksgiving for the queen^s
recovery. Reg. Grindal, fol. 26. a.
A FTER our very hearty commendations to your lord-
"^ ship. Where the queen's majesty is at this present^
God be thanked, after some extremity of sickness very
15 well recovered ; because it may happen that some vain
brutes may be spread abroad of this matter, especially in
the city of London, we have thought good to signify
these joyfiiU tidings unto your lordship, and pray you to
take order that the same may be published to morrow at
10 Poules crosse, and there thanks to be given to almighty
God for this her majesty's good recovery; and humbly to
Order for a form.'] The ncknesa in this instance does not appear to
have been of long duration ; bat any sickness woold at this time have
given occasion to fears and distorbanoes. On sabseqoent occasions, as
25 in the year 156S, forms of prayer and thanksgiving were drawn up, to
be used during the continuance of her iUness, and after her reco v er y .
Strype, Ann. vol. L P. a. pp. 267. 549.
S8S AdmonUion to aU $uch as intend to marry. [LXI V.
pray his blessed goodness to continue the same. And
thus we bid your good lordship heartily farewell. From
Hamptoncourt the 17th of Octob. M.DXXII.
Your good lordship* s loving friends^
N. Bacon, C. S. W. Hawarde. 5
Winchester. F. Knolles.
Arundell. W. Cecyll.
F. Bedforde. Ab. Cave.
E. Clynton. John Mason.
Sakevyle.
LXIV.
Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Anglie
Mattu. Parker 4. 1563. Elizab. 5.
An admonition to all such as shall intend hereafter to enter
the state ofmatrimmiyy godly and agreeable to laws.
piBST, That they contract jy^ABHIAGE is honoumUe 10
not with such persons, as among all men, and the
An admonition to all 8u^h'\ This table appears to have been set forth
in the first instance in the year 1560, (Strype, Ann. vol. i. P. i. p. 332,)
but was now (1563) published by authority, (Strype, Pbrker, voLi.
p. 556,) and has ever since declared the law as to prohibited degreee ; 15
although some of the introductory regulations, such, for instance, as the
permission to publish banns on festival days (a permission repeated in
the rubric for the solemnization of matrimony) are no longer in force.
Hic table is quoted in the advertisements of the year 1564, and in the
canons of 1603, (can. 99,) as being the authorized interpretation of the to
laws of God upon the subject. The whole doctrine is derived from the
1 8th chap, of Leviticus, and the several instances of prohibited degrees
contained in that chapter are cited in the Statutes 25 Henry VIII.
cap. 22. and 28 Henry VHI. cap. 7. It appears however from a lettor
addressed by archbishop Cranmer to lord Cromwell two years after the ^
passing of the first act, that he suggested at the time the ni
^5^30 Adm(mit%cn to all 6ueh <i8 inimd to marry. 288
be hereafter expressed, nor bed undefiled ; but whoremon-
with any of the like decree, gers mid adtdterers Qod will
against the law of Ood, and the judge. Heb. xiii. 4.
laws of the realm.
5 of introducing into the statute many other instances not actually enu-
merated in Leviticus, but equally prohibited in principle. His words
are : " By the law of God many persons be prohibited which be not
expressed, but be understood by like prohibition in equal degree. As
St. Ambrose saith that the niece is forbid by the law of God, although
10 it be not expressed in Leviticus, that the uncle shall not marry his
niece. But where the nephew is forbid there, that he shall not marry
his aunt, by the same is understood that the niece shall not be married
unto her uncle. Likewise as the daughter is not there plainly ex-
pressed, yet where the son is forbid to marry his mother, it is under-
15 stood that the daughter may not be married to her feither ; because
they be of Hke degree And as touching the act of parliament con-
cerning the degrees prohibited by God's law, they be not so plainly set
forth as I would they were. Wherein I somewhat spake my mind at
the making of the said law, but it was not then accepted." Strype,
20 Cran. vol. i. p. 66. These views and the firequent applications made to
the archbishop for dispensations in cases prohibited in prindple, bat not
forbidden by express words in the statute, led eventuaUy to the forma-
tion of the table that was published by archbishop Parker in the year
1563, the principles on which it was drawn out being the following:
251. That the degrees which are laid down as to men, will hold equally M
to women in the same proximity. 2. That the husband and wife are
but one flesh ; so that he who is related to the one by consanguinity,
is related to the other by affinity in the same degree. (Gibs. Cod. 412.)
The case of marrying a wife's sister has been more disputed than others,
30 inasmuch as the instance actually expressed in Leviticas merely forbids
the having two sisters at the same time; but it is clearly one of the
cases prohibited in principle, or as bishop Jewel stated the case in a
letter dated cal. Nov. 1561. (Strype, Parker, vol.i. p. 222. vol. ill.
p. 57.) *• Albeit I be not forbidden by plain words to marry my wife's
35 sister, yet am I forbidden so to do by other words, which by exposi*
tion are plain enough. For when God commands me, I shall not
marry my brother's wife, it follows directly by the same, that he forlnds
me to marry my wife's sister. For between one man and two sisters,
and one woman and two brothers is like analogy or proportion.** See
40 Gibs. Cod. 412. Bum. Ek^cl. Law, vol. ii. p. 447. These canonical dis-
abilities however must be understood witii the foDowing limitation:
" Such marriages not being void -ab initio, bat voidable only by sen*
884
AdmanUian to aU 8fuh as intend to marry, [LXI V.
Secondly, That they make
no secret contractei without
consent and counsel of their
parents or elders, under whose '
authority they be, contrary to
Ood^s laws, and man^s ordi-
nances.
Thirdly, That they contract
not anew with any other, upon
divorce and separation made
by the judge for a time ; the
laws yet standing to the con-
trary.
To avoid fornication let every
man have his wife, and let
every woman have her hus-
band : he that cannot contain,
let him marry; for better it is 5
to many, than to bum. i Gor.
vii. 2, 9.
Unto the married I com-
mand, not I, but the Lord, let
not the wife depart from her 10
husband; but if she depiurt,
let Jier remain unmarried, or
be reconciled unto her hus-
band : and let not the husband
put away his wife, i Gor. vii. is
10, II.
I. It is to be noted, that those persons, which be in
the direct line ascendent, cannot marry together, al-
though they are never so far asunder in degree.
II. It is also to be noted, that consanguinity and affi- «>
nity (letting and dissolving matrimony) is contracted as
well in them and by them, which be of kindred by the
one side, as in and by them which be kindred by both
sides.
III. Item, That by the laws consanguinity and affinity 15
(letting and dissolving matrimony) is contracted as well
by unlawful company of man and woman, as by lawful
marriage.
tence of separation, they are esteemed valid to all civil purposes, unless
such separation is actually made during the life of the parties. For ^o
after the death of either of them, the courts of common law will not
suffer the spiritual courts to declare such marriages to have been void ;
because such declaration cannot now tend to the reformati<m of the
parties. And therefore, when a man had married his first wife's sister,
and after her death the bishop's court was proceeding to annul tiie 35
marriage, and bastardize the issue, the court of king's bench granted
a prohibition quoad hoc ; but permitted them to proceed to punish Ae
husband for incest." Blackst. Com. vol. i. p. 434.
^5^3-] Admonition to aU $nA a$ intend to marry. 986
IV. Item, In contracting betwixt persons doubtful,
which be not expressed in this table, it is most sure first
to consult men learned in the law ; to understand what is
lawful, what honest and expedient, before the finishing of
* their contracts.
V. That no parson, vicar, or curate shall solemnize
matrimony out of his or their cure, or parish church, or
chapel, and shall not solemnize the same in private houses,
nor lawless exempt churches, under pains of the law for-
>o bidding the same. And that the curate have their certi-
ficates, where the parties dwell in divers parishes.
VI. Item, The bands of matrimony ought to be openly
denounced in the church by the minister three several
Sundays or festival days, to the intent, that who will and
<5 can alledge any impediment, may be heard, and that stay
may be made till further tryal, if any exception be made
there against it upon sufficient caution.
VII. Item, who shall maliciously object a fHvolous
impediment against the lawful matrimony to disturb the
3o same, is subject to the pains of the law.
VIII. Item, who shall presume to contract in the de-
grees prohibited (though he do it ignorantly) besides that
the fruit of such copulation may be judged unlawful, is
also punishable at the ordinary's discretion.
^5 IX. Item, If any minister shall conjoin any such ; or ,
shall be present at such contracts making ; he ought to
be suspended from his ministry for three years, and other-
wise to be punished according to the laws.
X. Item, It is further ordained, that no parson, vicar,
50 or curate do preach, treat, or expound of his own volun-
tary invention, any matter of controversy in scriptures, if
he be under the degree of a master of arts, except he be
licensed by his ordinary thereunto; but only for in-
struction of the people, read homilies already set forth,
3<; and such other form of doctrine, as shall be hereafter by
authority published, and shall not innovate, or alter any
286 Admmitwm to alt auci aa intend to many. [LXIV.
thing in the cliurcli, or use any old rite or ceremony,
which is not set forth by public authority.
None shall come near to any of the kindred of his
flesh to uncover their shame: I am the Lord. Levit.
xviii. 6.
A man may not marry his
A woman may not mBiry with her
(!ecundiisgrBdii9in
Secundusgradiuiio
liiita recta ascend.
tinea recta aicend.
Con
Avia.
I Grand molher.
Con.
Atub.
Aff.
Avi ralicta.
1 Gnindfach.wife.
Aff.
Avic relictua.
AfT-
Protnena rel so.
3 Wita grand-
Aff.
CO- inagniu. /
cru»mflgnB.
Seciind. ffT. itiie-
Secund. Brad, imc-
qnd:> in Un«
quaU.mlin.tiuu.
Con.
Amita.
4 FaiheB siHer.
4 Fflthen brath.
Coo.
Con.
Mnterleni.
5 Mothcra tiitcr.
^ Mother, broth.
Aff.
Aff.
Patnii relkta.
CFatb.hn>.«ife.
6F8th..irt.hiiib.
Aff.
Amite relictui.
Aff.
Avunciili reliela.
7M01h.bro.wife.
; Moth.sist. hui.
Aff
Aff.
Arnica uiori..
H Wife, falh, luB.
ellusb. rath. faro.
Aff.
Patmm matili.
Aff.
Mawnera iiioris.
Primus grad.inlin.
9 Wires mo. liit.
9 Huab.moth.bro.
Aff.
AninciJuj roariti.
Primu.Br«d.inlin.
recta auend.
Con.
SlTler."^" *'"''■
Mother. 1
Father.
Con.
Pal«r.
Aff.
Noverta. i
Stepfather.
Aff.
Vitricua.
Aff.
Socrns. i
PrLm,«gn.d.inlin.
1 Wife, mother, i
1 Hu.i>. father.
Aff.
Priin!Knd.in liuu
Con.
Filia. .
3 DBUfihter. .
3 Son.
Con.
FiUuik
Aff.
Pririgna. 1
4 Wif« daugli. 1
4[IiiabaDdiiion.
Aff.
Privignus.
Con.
Num.. .
Primu. gnui«, «.
,l«ali.nlin.c™„..
veranli.
J Sons wife.
5 Xh»^u-n hn..
Aff.
Gener.
Primu. pwiu. ■-
quali.inlin.tnn.-
»er«.
Con.
Soror. 1
G SinKr. 1
5 Brother.
Con,
Frator.
Aff.
ioror tiioris. i
7 WirBtaiiter. i
7 Hush, broth.
Aff.
Aff.
Fratris relicta. i
Seeund.graiJ.mlin.
recta dt^nd.
8 BrDtben wife, t
S Siitera hu.b.
Aff.
Sorort. TcHctiu.
SBCund-gnd-inlia.
recta deuend.
Con.
Nepti. e. filio. 1
1 Sons dBugh(«'. I
jSomwn.
Con.
Nepoiexfilio.
Con.
Nepli. ex filia. i
D Daiighlera rfmi. i
Daughter. »n.
Aff.
NepoexfiU..
Aff.
Pronurui,!. relic 1 i
nepoti« ex filio- /
Son. son. wife, i
Soul dang. hu..
Aff.
Pn^ener, i. rdio.
neptli ex lUio.
Aff.
Pronnniii.relic.l i
nepotJi ex lilia. /
) Daughiera ma. 3
a Daughten dan.
Aff.
Progener, i. n^cc
wife.
hu.b.
ueptis ei Glia.
Aff.
Pris-igni filia. i
3 Wifessongdau. 1
Aff.
Privigni Alius.
Aff.
Prit-igoK ftlia. i
Socundiii grudiiH
in»|UBlis ill lines
4Wif.daug.dBU. I
Hush. daug.Mni.
Aff.
Privigna filin..
SeomduB gnd. in-
nquaUi in lino
Con.
Nepli. ex fralre. 3
Broth, daught. J
Brothera .on.
Con.
Nepal ex Inm.
Con.
•lepti. ei: lorore. 2
6 SiMen dau^t. 1
Siuan«m.
Con.
Aff.
S'epolisGi frat. rd. i
fBro.ion.Hife. 1
Bro. dauR.hu.b.
Aff.
Nepii. ex fral. nL
Aff.
NpiHNii ex lor. ivt. ]
H SiH. ions wife. 1
Sin.dHugb.hu..
Aff,
NepU. ex w. reL
Aff.
Neplii uxor ex fra. i
1 Wifej brother. 3
duuKhter.
Husli. bnrthcra
Aff.
Le»iri filiuv i. ne-
IKHDwitinfmL
Aff.
NVi»uxorex»r.3
3 Wife H.t.dui. j
Hii.b..i>t.Hn.
\a.
Glori. fihu*,i. n«-
p09 mariti ex Mr.
1564-] For dm order in tie puiUc admm$traium, 4rc. t87
LXV.
Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. AngUn
3Iatth. Parker 6. 1564. Elizab. 7.
Advertiseme7its partly for due order in the publique ad-
ministration of common prayers^ and usinge the holy so-
cramentes, and partly for the appareU of all persons
ecclesiastically by vertue of the queenes majesties letters^
commaunding the samCy the 25th day of January^ in the
seventh yeare of the raigne of our soveraigne lady JSU-
zabeth, by the grace of Grod of Englande^ Fraunce^ and
Irelande queene^ defender of the faiths etc. Ex Prae&t.
Annal. Elizab. Cambd. edit. Heam. p. 33. seq*
The preface.
^ T^HE queenes majestye of her godly zeale calling to
remembraunce howe necessary it is to the avaunce^
Advertisements partly] These advertiBeinentB and the proceedings
consequent thereon occasioned the first open separation of the noncon-
lo formists from the church of £kigland» the professed ground of separa-
tion being the necessity of wearing the same apparel that was oaed by
the Romanists, but the real point at issue being, and soon afterwards
shewing itself to be, the right principle of church government. The
advertisements were drawn up by the archbishop, and other bishops in
20 commission with him, in obedience to peremptory letters addressed to
him by the queen, (Stryp^, Parker, vol. L p. 307. vol. liL p. 65,) who
had been informed that great irregularities prevailed without any en-
deavours on the part of the bishops to repress them, and was deter-
mined that stricter methods of discipline and good order should be
25 exercised for the future. It i^pears, however, that several of her
council, as for instance Lieicester, Burleigh, Knollys, and Walsingham,
were disposed to favour the wishes of the puritans ; and whether fincnn
this cause or some other, although the queen was the person really re-
sponsible for these advertisements, she did not officially give her sano-
30 tion to them at the timcj but left them to be enfimroed by the several
bishops on the canonical obedienee imposed upon the dergy and the
288 Far due atder in theptMie admrnidrcOion [XLV.
ment of God's glory, and to the establishmente of
Christes pure religion, for all her loving subjects, espe-
cially the state ecclesiasticall to bee knitte together in
one perfecte unitye of doctrine, and to bee conjoyned in
one uniformity of rites and maners in the ministration 5
of God's holy worde, in open prayer and ministration of
sacraments, as also to be of one decent behavioure in
their outwarde apparell, to be knowne partely by th^
distinct habits to bee of that vocation (who shoulde be
reverenced the rather in their offices, as ministers of the 10
holye thinges whereto they bee called) hathe by her let-
ters directed unto the archebyshop of Canterbury and
metropolitane, required, enjoyned, and straightly charged,
that with assistance and conference had with other by-
shops, namely suche as be in commission for causes ec- <5
clesiasticall, some orders might bee taken, whereby all
diversities and varieties amonge them of the cleargy and
the people (as breedinge nothinge but contention, ofience,
and breache of common charity, and be agaynste the
powers conveyed to the ordinaries by the act of uniformity. Tlieir so
title and prefeice certainly do not claim for them the highest degree
of authority; and although Strype infers from certain evidence which
he mentions, (Parker, vol. i. p. 319,) that they afterwards received the
royal sanction, and recovered their original title of articles and ordi-
nances, it seems more probable that they owed their force to the inde- 35
finite nature of episcopal jurisdiction, supported, as in this instance wis
known to be the case, by the personal approval of the sovereign. The
way in which the archbishop speaks of them in his articles of enquiry,
issued in the year 1569, (No. LXXIII.) certainly assigns to them
" public authority," but clearly distinct from that of the crown ; and in 50
the year 1584, (No. XCIX.) archbishop Whitgift refers to them as
having authority, but still calls them simply the book of advertise-
ments. The canons of 1603, confirmed by king James, quote them
under canon 24, and so far give them the royal sanction. Comp.
Strype, Parker, vol. i. p. 313. vol. ii. p. 75. Ann. vol. i. P. 11. p. 130. 35
Grindal, p. 154. Burnet's H. R. vol. iii. p. 587. Neal's Hist, of tiie
Purit. vol. i. p. 127. ed. 1837. Collier, vol. ii. p. 496. Hallam. Const.
Hist. vol. i. pp. 189. 193. 196. Lingard, voL v. p. 316.
1564.] of common prayer <md the hofy oaerammiig. 88B
lawes, good usage and ordinaunces of the realme) might
be reformed and repressed, and brought to one maner of
uniformity throughout the whole realme, that the people
may thereby quietly honour and serve almighty God in
5 truthe, concord, unity, peace, and quietnes, as by her
majesties sayde letters more at large dothe appeare.
Whereupon by diligent conference and conmiunication in
the same, and at laste by assent and consent of the per-
sons before sayd, these orders and rules ensuing have
10 been thougfate meete and convenient to be used and
folowed ; not yet prescribinge these rules as laws equiva-
lent with the etemall worde of Grod, and as of necessity
to b}mde the consciences of her subjeetes in the nature of
them considered in themselves ; or as they shoulde adde
15 any efficacye or more holynes to the vertue of publique
prayer, and to the sacraments ; but as tempoiBll orders
meere ecclesiasticall, without any vayne suparstition» and
as rules in some parte of discipline concerning decency,
distinction, and order for the time.
20 Articles for doctrine and prea^hinge.
Firste, That all they, whiche shalbe admitted to
preache, shalbee diligentlye examined for theire con-
formity in unity of doctrine, established by publique au-
thoritye ; and admonished to use sobriety and discretion
25 in teachinge the people, namely in matters of contro-
versy ; and to consider the gravity of their office, and to
foresee with diligence the matters, which they will speaker
to utter them to the edification of the audience.
Item, That they sette owte in theire preachinge the
30 reverent estimation of the holy sacramentes of baptisme,
and the Lordes supper, excitinge the people to thoften
and devoute receaving of the holy communion of the
body and bludde of Christe, in suche forme as is already
prescribed in the booke of common paqrer, and as it is
VOL. I. U
S90 For due order in the public (uihmmsiraiian LXV.]
further declared in an homily conceminge the vertue and
efficacye of the saide sacramentes.
Item, That they move the people to all obedience as
well in observation of the orders appoynted in the booke
of common service, as in the queenes majesties injunc- &
tions, as also of all other civill dutyes due for subjectes
to do.
Item, That al licences for preaching graunted out by
the archebyshop and byshopes within the province of
Canterbury, bearing date before the first day of Marche, »«
M.D.LXiv. be voyde and of none effect ; and neverthelesse
all suche, as shalbe thought mete for the office, to bee
admitted agayne without difficulty or charge, painge no
more but four pens for the writinge, parchement, and
waxe. »5
Item, If any preacher or parson, vicare or curate so
licensed, shall fortune to preache any matter tendinge to
dissention, or to the derogation of the religion and doe-
tryne receyved, that the hearers denounce the same to
the ordinaries or the next byshope of the same place ; ao
but no man openly to contrary or to impugne the same
speeche so disorderly uttered, whereby may growe offence
and disquyet of the people ; but shal be convinced and
reproved by the ordinary after suche agreable order, as
shall be scene to him according to the gravity of the of- «5
fence. And that it be presented within one moneth after
the wordes spoken.
Item, That they use not to exacte or receave unreason-
able rewardes or stipendes of the poore pastors cominge
to theire cures to preache, whereby they myght bee noted a*
as folowers of filthye lucre, rather then use thoffice of
preaching of charity, and good zeale to the salvation of
mens soules.
Item, If the parson be able, he shall preache in his
owne person everye three monethes, or else shall preache 35
by another, so that his absence be approved by the ordi-
1564-] of common prayer and the holy $aerammt8. S91
nary of the dioces in respect of sickness, service, or study
at the universityes. Neverthelesse yet for wante of able
preachers and parsons to tolerate them withoute penaltye,
so that they preache in theyre owne persons, or by a
5 learned substitute, once in every three moneths of theyeare.
• Articles for administration of prayer and sacramentes.
First, That the common prayer be sayde or songe de-
centlye and distinctlye in suche place, as the ordinarye
shall thinke mete for the largenesse and streightnesse of
»o the churche and quyer, so that the people may be moste
edified.
Item, That no parson or curate, not admitted by the
bysshope of the dioces to preache, do expounde in his
o^\^le cure, or elsewhere, any scripture or matter of doc-
's trine, or by the way of exhortation, but only study to
reade gravely and aptly, without any glosing of the same,
or any additions, the homelyes already sett oute, or other
suche necessarye doctriue as is or shall be prescribed for
the quiet instruction and edification of the people.
^o Item, That in cathedrall churches and coUedges the
holye communion be ministred upon the firste or seconds
Sundaye of everye monethe*at the leaste. So that both
deane, prebendaries, preists, and clerkes do receave, and
all other of discretion of the fimdation do receave foure
^5 tymes in the yeare at the leaste.
Item, In the ministration of the holy communion in
cathedrall and collegiate churches, the principal! minister
shall use a cope with gospeller and epistoler agreably ;
and at all other prayers to be sayde at that communion
30 table, to use no copes but surplesses.
Item, That the deane and prebendaries weare a sur-
plesse with a silke hoode in the quyer ; and when they
preache in the cathedrall or collegiate churche, to weare
theire hoode.
35 Item, That every minister sayinge any publique
u a
292 For doe order in the public admnigfroHan [LXV.
prayers, or ministringe the sacramentes or other rit^s of
the churche, shall weare a comely surples with sleeves,
to bee provided at the charges of the parishe ; and that
the parishe provide a decente table standinge on a frame
for the communion table. 5
Item, That they shal decentlie cover with carpet, silke,
or other decente coveringe, and with a fttyre lynnen
clothe (at the time of the ministration) the communyon
table, and to sett the Tenne Commaundementes upon
the easte walle over the said table. lo
Item, That al communicantes do receave kneeling, and
as is appointed by the lawes of the realme and the
queenes majesties injunctions.
Item, That the fonte be not removed, nor that the
curate do baptize in parishe churches in any basons, nor »5
in anye other forme, then is alredie prescribed, vrithout
charginge the parent to be present or absent at the
christening of his childe, although the parent may bee
present or absent, but not to answere as godfather for his
childe. «o
Item, That no childe be admitted to answere as god-
father or godmother, except the childe hath receaved the
commimion.
Item, That there be none other holidayes observed
besides the Sundayes, but onelye suche as be set out for ^5
holidayes, as in the statute " anno quinto et sexto Ed-
wardi sexti," and in the new calendar authorysed by the
queenes majesty.
Item, That when any Christian bodye is in passing,
that the bell be tolled, and that the curate be specially 30
called for to comforte the sicke person, and after the
tymc of his passinge to ringe no more but one shorte
peale, and one before the buriall, and another shorte
peale aftherthe buriall.
Item, That on Sundaies there be no shoppes open, 35
nor artificers commonlye goinge aboute theire oflhires
1564*] of common frayer and the holy sacrammis. 898
worldly, and that in all faires and common markets fitll-
inge uppon the Sunday, there be no shewing of any
wares before the service be done.
Item, That in the Rogation dayes of procession they
5 singe or saye in Englishe the two psalmes beginninge,
" Benedic anima mea," etc. with the letany and suffi:uge8
thereunto with one homelye of thankesgevinge to Grod,
already devised and divided into foure partes, without
addition of any superstitiouse ceremonyes heretofore
10 used.
Articles for certayne orders in ecclesiasticall policy.
First, Againste the day of giving of orders appoynted,
the byshope shall give open monitions to all men to
except agaynste suche as they knowe not to be worthy
15 either for life or conversation. And there to give notice
that none shall serve for orders but within their owne
dioces, where they weare borne, or had theire longe tyme
of dwellinge, except suche, as shall bee of degree in the
universities.
ao Item, That younge preistes or ministers made or to be
made, be so instructed, that they be able to make apte
aunsweres conceminge the forme of the catechisme pre-
scribed.
Item, That no curate or minister bee permitted to
25 serve without examination and admission of the ordinary
or his deputy in writing, having respect to the greatnes
of the cure and the meetnes of the party ; and that the
sayde ministers, if they remoove fix>m one dioces to an-
other, bee by no means admitted to serve without testi-
30 monye of the diocesan, from whence they come, in writing
of theyre honesty and ability.
Item, That the bysshop doe call home once in the yeare
any prebendary in his churche, or beneficed in the dioces,
whiche studieth at the universities, to know how he pro-
u8
294 For due order m the public cuHministraium [LXV.
fiteth ill learninge, and that he be not suffered to bee a
servinge or a waytinge man dissolutely.
Item, That at the archedeacon's yisitation the arche-
deacon shall appoynte the curates to certaine taxes of
the Newe Testamente to bee conde without booke. 5
And at theire nexte synode to exact a rehearsall of
them.
Item, That the churchewardens once in the quarter
declare by theire curates in billes subscribed with their
handes to the ordinarye or to the nexte officer under 10
him, who they bee, whiche will not readyly paye theire
penalties for not comminge to Goddes divine service
accordingly.
Item, That the ordinaries doe use good diligente ex-
amination to foresee all simoniacall pactes or covenaunts 15
with the patrons or presenters for the spoyle of their
glebe, tithes, or mansion houses.
Item, That no persons be suffered to marye within the
Leviticall degrees mentioned in a table, set forthe by the
archebysshoppe of Caunterburye in that behalfe anno«o
Domini M.d.lxiii ; and if any suche be, to be separated by
order of lawe.
Articles far outwarde apparell of persofis ecclesiastically
Firste, That all archebysshoppes and bysshoppes do
use and contineue their accustomed apparell. 45
Item, That all deanes of cathedrall churches, masters
of colledges, all archedeacons, and other dignities in car
thedrall churches, doctors, bachelers of divinitye and
lawe, having any ecclesiasticall livinge, shall weaie in
their common apparell abrode a syde gowne with sleeves 30
streyght at the hand without any cuttes in the same ; and
that also without any fallinge cape ; and to weare typpets
of sarcenet, as is lawfuU for them by thact of parliamemt
" anno xxiv. Hen. octavi".
1564.] of ctmimon praffer 0mI tl^ holy $aer^^ 295
Item, That all doctors of physicke, or of any other
facultye, having any livinge ecclesiastically or any other
that may dispende by the churche one hundred markes,
so to be estemed by the finiites or tenthes of their promo-
5 tions, and all prebendaries, whose promotions be valued
at twenty pound or upward, weare the like apparell.
Item, That they and all ecclesiastical persons or other,
havinge any ecclesiasticall livinge, doe weare the cappe
appointed by the injunctions. And they to weare no
lohattes but in their joumeinge.
Item, That they in their joumeinge do weare theire
clokes with sleeves put on, and lyke in fashion to their
gownes without gards, welts, or cuts.
Item, That in their private houses and studies they use
15 their owne liberty of comely apparrelL
Item, That all inferiour ecclesiastical persons shall
weare longe gownes of the fashion aforesayde, and cappes
as before is prescribed.
Item, That all poore parsons, vicars, and curates do
20 endevor themselves to conforme theire apparrell in like
sprte so soone and as convenientley, as theire ability will
serve to the same. Provided that their abilitye bee
judged by the bysshop of the dioces. And yf theire
abilitye will not suffer to buye them longe gownes of the
n forme afore prescribed, that then they shall weare their
shorte gownes agreable to the forme before expressed.
Item, That al suche persons, as have ben or be eccle-
siasticall, and serve not the minysterie, or have not
accepted, or shall refuse to accepte, the othe of obedience
30 to the queenes majesty, doe fix>m hencefourth abrode
weare none of the sayde apparrell of the forme and
fashion aforesayde, but to go as mere layemen, till they
be reconciled to obedience; and who shall obstinately
refuse to do the same, that they bee presented by the
35 ordinarye to the commissioners in causes ecclesiasticall,
and by them to be reformed accordingly,
u4
^96 On e(mmon prayer and hofy mKTMimiti. [LXV.
Protestations to be made^ promised, and subscribed by them
tliat shall hereafter bee admitted to any office, roomCy or
cure in any churche, or other place ecdesiasticaU.
Inprimis, I shall not preache or pubUquely interprete,
but onely reade that, whiche is appointed by publique s
authoritye, without special licence of the bysshope under
his seale.
I shall reade the service appoynted playnly, distinctly,
and audibly, that all the people may heare and under-
stande. «<>
I shall keepe the register booke accordinge to the
queenes majesties injunctions.
I shall use sobrietie in apparrel, and specially in the
churche at common prayers, according to order ap-
pointed. »5
I shall move the parishioners to quiet and Concorde,
and not geve them cause of offence, and shall helpe to
reconcile them, whiche be at variaunce, to my uttermorte
power.
I shall reade daylie at the leaste one chapter of the Old ^
Testament, and one other of the Newe, with good ad^im-
ment to thincrease of my knowledge.
I do also faithfully promise in my person to use and
exercise my office and place to the honor of God, to the
quiet of the queenes subjects within my charge, in truth, «5
Concorde, and unitye. And also to observe, kepe, and
menta3ne suche order and uniformity in all external po-
licye, rites, and ceremonies of the church, as by the lawes
good usages and orders are already well provided and
established. 3®
I shall not openlye intermeddle with any artificers oe-
cupations, as covetously to seke a gayne thereby, havinfe
1564.] Quern EHzabMs hiter for 9$ufH^ 9fidiii(^ 997
in ecclesiaatical lyvinge to the somme of 20. nobles or
above by yere.
Agreed upon, and subscribed by
Matthaeus Cantuariensis
Edmundus Londinensis
Richardus Eliensis
Edmundus RofFensis
Robertus Wintoniensis
Nicolaus Lincolniensis
Commissioners in causes
ecclesiastical!, with
others.
LXVI.
Archiepisc Cant.
Matth. Pakkeb 7.
AnnoChrirti
Reg. Anffim
Elizas. S.
Queen Elizabeth's letter to the bishop of London/or seizing
seditious books transported from beyond sea. Strype's
Annals, vol. i. App. p. 74r.
By the queene.
T> YGHT reverend father in God, right trustie and wel
beloved, we grete you well. Where we be geven
to understand, that certain unnatural and seditious sub-
Queen Elizabeth's letter] " Now were many of the English popish
<5 recusants become fugitives abroad in Flanders, and particularly in Ant-
werp and Louvain, and in other places in the king of Spain's do-
minions. Here they employed themsehres in writing very dangeroos
and seditious books against the queen^ and her government; whifih
when they had printed, they caused to be conveyed over hither, and
3o privily dispersed abroad ; which had perverted many of the ignorant
people, and made them nm into disorders.'' Strype, Ann. vol. i. P. a.
pp. 182. 529.
898 Q. EUzabeOCs letter far seizmff sediHem hoete. [LXVI.
jects of this our realme being fled out of the same, and
ly ving on the other side of the seas, ceasse not contynu-
ally to contrive and send over hither sundry seditious and
slanderous books, to be spredde abrode here, partely for
there own private gayne, but especially to move the igno- 5
rant people to disorder; a thing very requisite to be
looked unto, as being merely against all good order and
policy of this our state, and contrary also to the statutes
and laws of this our realme ; we lett you wete, that con-
sidering the most parte of those slaunderous books be 10
brought in by such vessells, as arryve within our porte of
London, of which place you are the chief pastor and
bishoppe ; and waying withall that you are one of our
commissioners for matters ecclesiasticall ; we have
thought good to appointe you specially to have regarde is
hereunto. And for the better dealing therein, we have
given order to our high treasourer of England expressly
by our letters, that he shall suffer suche one or mo
persons of discretion, as you shall appointe for this pur-
pose, to resorte to our Custome house of London, as any «o
ship or vessell shall come in from time to time, and ther
to syt with our customers and other officers, for the
serche and perfecte understanding of the state of suche
bookes, and as anye suche shall be found to be brought
to your handes, to th'intent that upon the considering of n
the same, you may do with them, as to your discretion
shall be thought good. And further call before you and
examine all suche persons, as you shall finde faultie
herein, or in any wise to be suspected ; and upon due
tryall of his faulte to cause him to be punished, as the y>
lawes of this our realme will permit, or otherwise in
reason shalbe thought fyt. And yf you shall think yt
requisite to have the like order in any other porte ; we
have also given commaundment to our said treasourer to
cause the same to be executed, upon the notice to be ^
given from you, and the diocessan of the place ; requiring
1566.] The arekiiskop's leUerfar eamformi^. 999
you therefore to take some care herein, and to make
some speciall choyse of the men, that you shall appoincte
hereunto, bothe for their discretion, and also for their
diligence, in suche sorte, as we may perceive some good
5 to grow by this our order, for the redress of these evU
practises. And thes our letters shal be your sufficient
warrant in this behalf. Yeven under our signet at our
palace of Westminister the 24th day of January, in the
eighth yere of our reigne.
LXVII.
Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Chrifti Reg. Anglia
Matth. Parker 8. 1566. Elizab. 9.
The archbishop's letter to the bishop of London for con-
formitie. Reg. Parker, i. fol. 256. b.
10 T> IGHT well beloved brother, after my right hartie
commendations in our Saviour Christ. Whereas
The archbishop* 8 letter] The general sentiments of bishop Grindal on
the subject of the habits, and his unwillingness to take decided mea-
sures against the non-conformists, are well known. (See Strype, Grind.
15 pp. 154. 446. Parker, vol. i. p. 430. Neal's Puritans, voL i. pp. 136.
224.) But he had now fortified himself with the opinions of Bulling^ and
Gualter, whose authority was respected in England beyond that of any
other divines of their time ; and soon afterwards, for the purpose of making
the same impression upon others, he published a private letter of theirs
10 in which they had recommended Sampson and Humphreys, two of the
most eminent of the non-conformists, to comply. (Burnet, H. R. vol.
iii. p. 591. P. 2. p. 427. CoUier, vol. ii. p. 508.) He himself ex-
pressed his sentiments to Bullinger in August 1566. in the foUowing
manner : " When they who had been exiles in Germany could not per-
25 suade the queen and parliament to remove these habits out of the
church, though they had long endeavoured it, by common consent they
thought it best not to leave the dmrch for some rites, wUdi were not
300 ThB orMMop's letter /or cm/brmiif. [LXVII.
you do well know what offense is taken, for that diveiw
and sundry of the state ecclesiastical be so hardlie in-
duced to conformitie, in administration of public prayers
and sacraments, and in outward apparell, agreable, in
regard of order, for them to weare, notwithstanding esta- 5
blished, and other orders and ordinances prescribed in the
same ; in which disorder appeareth (as is commonlie in-
terpreted) a manifest violation and contempte of the
quenes majesties authoritie, and abusing her princely
clemency in so long bearinge with the same, without ex- lo
ecution of condigne severitie for there due correction, if
the lawes were extendid uppon them : and whereas the
whole state of the realme, by acte of Parliament openly
published, doth most emestly in God's name require us
all to endeavour ourselves, to the utmost of our know- 15
ledge, duely and truely to execute the said lawes, as we
will answer before God ; by the which acte also, we have
full power and authoritie to reform, and punish by cen-
sures of the churche all and singuler persones, which shall
offende; and whereas also the quenes most excellent so
majestic, now a yere past and more, addressed her high*
ness lettres enforcing the same charge, the contents
whereof I sent unto your lordship in her name and au-
thoritie, to admonish them to obedience, and so I dowt
not but your lordship have distributed the same unto <5
other of our brethren within this province of Canterbuiye ;
many nor in themselves wicked ; especially since the purity of the
Gospel remained safe and free to them. Nor had they to this present
time repented themselves of this counsel." (Str3rpe, Grind, p. 156.
Collier, vol. ii. App. p. 96.) This letter of archhishop Fterker's was jo
written after the memorahle sentence of suspension passed by him npoa
thirty-seven of the London clergy, and was accompanied with a copy of
the " Advertisements" (No. LXV) which the archbishop had recently
corrected, and now republished, alleging the act of uniformity (1 Elis.
c. 2. §. 16.) as his justification, but acting under the queen's positive 55
command, for his proceedings against the London clergy. Strype»
Parker, vol. i. pp. 427. 430.
1566.] Tke artMishop's letter /or ean/crmify. 801
whereuppon hath ensued in the most part of the reakn
an humble and obedient conformitie, and yet some few
persons, I fear more scrupulous than godly prudent, have
not conformed themselves ; peradventure some of them
5 for lack of particular description of orders to be followed^
which as your lordship doth know, were agreed upon
amonge us long agoe; and yet in certeine respects not
published now for the spedy reformation of the same, as
the queues highness hath expressly charged both you and
10 me of late. Being therefore cauled to her presence to
see her lawes executid, and good orders decreed and ob-
served, I can no less do of my obedience to Almighty
God, of my allegiance to her princely estate, and of sin<»
cere zeal to the truth and promotion of Christian religicm
>5 now established, but require and charge you, as you will
answer to God, and to her majestic, to see her nugestiea
lawes and injunctions duely observed within your dice.
and allso theis our convenient orders described in theis
bookes, at theis present sent unto your lordship ; and fur->
3o thermore to transmitt the same bookes with your lettees
(according as hath been heretofore used) unto all others
of our brethren within this province, to cause the same to
be performid in then* severall jurisdictions and ehmiges.
And where we have of late the 26th day of thffl present
25 monthe of March, called before us, according to the
quenes majesties commandement in this behalf signified,
all manner of parsons, vicars, and curates servinge within
the citye of London, and have commanded divers of them
in their obedience, who have considered their duties in
30 this behalf; so have we also from this day fourth, suspendid
all ministers expressly refusing conformitie from their
public ministration whatsoever, and have also denounced
sequestration of all the iruites of ther levinges so long
tyme as they shall remayne in this disobedience ; signify-
35 ing further, that if within the space of three moneths,
from thence next ensuing this advertisement, either any
302 The archbishop's letter for conformity. [LXVII.
of them do attempt to offend in the like disobedience,
and be therefore convicted by the notorious evidence of
the facte, or shall continue without reconciling of them-
selves, and promising and subscribing their conformitie to
the lawes and orders agreable, to be then deprived " ipso s
facto" of all ther spiritual promotions in which case it
may be lawful in due order of lawe to all patrons and
doners of all and singuler the same spiritual! promotions,
or any of them, to presente or collate to the same, as
though the person or persons so defending were dead ; »«
after which like sort all other ordinaries, after notice
given unto all persons within their jurisdictions of the
lawes, injunctions, and other orders established for the
same conformitie, I think will follow in order the same
example, whereby we trust all contention and just offence »5
amongst the queues subjects may at the last be sup-
pressed, peace, and quietness in unitie of doctrine, and
uniformitie of exterine behaviours recovered, the queues
majesties authoritie reverenced, her lawes obediently re-
garded, to the promotion of the truth of the gospell, and «>
to the glory of Almighty God, to whom for this tyme I
committ you in all grace and vertue as my self. Prom
my house at Lambehith the 28th day of Marche,
M.D.LXVI.
Your lovinge brother, 95
Matthew Cantuar.
i5($70 AroHidtop Parker's artides o/nriiatim. 80S
LXVIII.
Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Anglw
Matth. Parker 8. 15^7* Elizab. 9.
Articles to be enquired of in the metropolitical visitation of
the most reverend father in God Matthew^ hy the provi-^
deuce of God archbishop of Canterbury^ primate of all
England^ and metropolitan^ in al and sinpdar cathedral
and collegate churches within his province of Canterbury.
Strype's Life of Parker, App. p. 85.
I. THIRST, Whether your dean, archdeacons, and other
dignities of your church be resydent or not ? whe-
ther they be graduates ? what other promotions or livings
Articles to be enquired of] This visitation was more especially di-
Srected against the diocese of Norwich, which was reported to be in
great disorder, owing partly to an old custom of allowing seven years
to intervene between the bishop's visitations, and partly to the known
forbearance of bishop Parkhurst ; of whom as early as in August 1561
secretary Cecil wrote to the archbishop in the following words (Strype,
10 Parker, vol. i. p. 2 14) : " The bishop of Norwich is blamed even of the
best sort for his remissness in ordering his clergy. He winketh at
schismatics and anabaptists, as I am informed." The articles themselves.
although intended primarily for the diocese of Norwich, were strictly ap-
plicable to the general condition of the church, and afford evidence of
15 the following facts connected with the progress of its history; that
puritanism, and not popery, was now the opponent to be dreaded ; that
the contest with puritanism was now no longer respecting forms and
ceremonies, but principles and doctrines ; that opinions were inculcated
adverse to good morals and destructive of church authority ; and lastly,
20 that the disorders existing in the church had seriously afiected the
duties owing to the state. (Com. Strype, Parker, vol. i. p. 491. Neal'a
Purit. vol. i. p. 156.) The first occasion, after holding many private
meetings, on which the non-conformists assembled together in a distinct
apartment, in order to have worship and a communion after the ritual
25 of Geneva, was on the 19th of June 1567. NeaTa Purit. vol. i. p. i6f .
Collier's Hist. vol. ii. p. 5 1 1 .
804 AreMisAcp Parker's articlea o/wsUoHon. [LXVIII.
every one of them hath ? whether every one of them be
ministers or not? whether they use semely or priestly
garments, according as they are commanded by the
quenes majesties injunctions to doe ?
II. Item, AVhether your prebendaries be resydent, or 5
how many of them? where every one of the rest be?
what be their names? what livings they have? what
orders they be in ? how, or in what apparel they do com-
monly goe ? whether they do preach in their course ? or
how often ? and in what time of the yere they do resort lo
to your cathedral church ?
III. Item, Whether your divine service be used, and
your sacraments ministred in manner and forme pre-
scribed by the quenes majesties injunctions^ and none
other way ? whether it be said or songe in due time ? is
whether in al points according to the statutes of your
church, not being repugnant to any of the quenes majes-
ties laws or injunctions ? whether al that were wonte be
bound, or ought to come to yt, do so styl ? and whether
every one of your church openly communicate in the said »o
cathedral church, at the least thrice in the yere ?
IV. Item, Whether your grammar school be wel or-
dered? whether the number of the children thereof be
furnished? how many wanteth? and by whose default?
whether they be diligently and godly brought up in the *s
fear of God, and wholesome doctrine? whether any of
them have been received for money or reward, and by
whom ? whether the statutes, foundations, and other ordi-
nances touching the same grammar school, and school-
master, and the scholars thereof, or any other having jo
doing or interest therein, be kept? by whom it is not
observed, or by whose fault? and the like in al points
you shal enquire and present of your choristers and
master.
V. Item, Whether al officers and ministers of youris
church, as wel within as without, do their duties in al
1567*] Archbishop Parker's articles ofmsikf^cn. 806
points obediently and faithfully ? and whether your dean,
stewards, treasurers, pursers, recejrvers, or any officer
having any charge, or any ways being accomptant to the
said church, do make a plain, faithftdl, and true accompt
5 at such days and times, as be Umytted and appointed by
the statutes, or custome of the said church ; making fiiU
payment reallie of all arrearages ? whether any mony or
goods of the church do remaine in any mans hands ? who
they be ? and what sum remayneth ?
10 VI. Item, you shall enquyre of the doctrine and judg-
ment of al and singular hedd and members of your
church ; as your dean, archdeacons, prebendaries, readers
of divine service, schoolmasters, vicars, petti-canons, dea-
cons, conducts, singing men, choristers, schokrs in gram-
15 mar schools, and al other officers and ministers, as wel
within your church, as without ; whether any of them
do either privilie or openlie preach or teach any unwhole^
some, erroneous, seditious doctrine, or discourage any
man from the reading of the holy scriptures soberly for
no his edifying ; or in any other point do perswade or move
any not to conform themselves to the order of religion
reformed, restored, and received by public authority in
this church of England. As for example, to affirm and
maintain that the queues majesty, that now is,' and her
25 successors, kings and queues of this realm of EIngland, is
not, or ought not to be head, and chief govemour of this
her people, or church of England, as wel in ecclesiastical
laws, causes, or matters, as temporal ; or that it is not
lawfnll for any particular church, or province to alter the
30 rites and ceremonies publickly used, to better edification;
or that any man may, or ought by his private authority,
do the same ; or that any man is to be borne vrith, which
do extoU any superstitious religion; as reliques, pil-
grimages, lightings of candles, kifiHsing, kneeling, or duck«
35 ing to images ; or praying in a tongue not knovm, rather
than English; or to put trust fo a certain number of
VOL. I. X
306 Archbishop Parker's articles ofvi^ati/om. [LXVIII.
^^ Pater nosters/' or use any beads for the same, or sach
other things, or to maintain purgatory, private maaseB,
trentalls, or any other fond fantasy invented by man,
without groimd of God's vrord ; or to say, teach, or main-
tain, that children being infants should not be baptised ; 5
or that every article in our Crede, commonly received and
used in the church, is not to be believed of necessity ;
or that mortal or voluntary sins committed after bap-
tisme, be not remissible by penance ; or that a man, after
that he have received the Holy Ghost, cannot syn ; or lo
that afterwards he cannot ryse again by grace to repent-
ance ; or that any man ly veth without syn ; or that it is
not lawfull to swear for certain causes; or that civil
magistrates cannot punish, for certain crimes, a man with
death ; or that it is lawful for any man, without outward 15
calling of the magistrates appointed, to take upon him
any ministry of Christ's church ; or that the word of God
doth condemne the regiment of women ; or that the word
of God doth command sole lyfe, or abstinence from
marriage to any minister of the church of Christ, not «o
having the gift of God to live sole ; or any other errors, or
false doctrine, contrary to the faith of Christ and holy
scriptures.
VII. Item, You shall enquire of the names and sir-
names of al and singular the abovenamed members, >5
officers, ministers of this your said church, whether you
know, or suspect any of them to attaine his room, or
lyving by simonie, that is by mony, unlawful covenant,
gyft, or reward ? who presented him ? whether his lyving
be in lease ? and by whom it is leased ? to whom ? upon 39
what rent ? whether he doth pay any pension for it ? for
what cause ? what sum ? and to whom ? Whether any of
them be known, or suspected to l)e a swearer, an adul-
terer, a fornicator, or suspected of any other unclean-
lines? whether any of them do use any suspect houses 35
or suspected company of any such faults, any taveme,
1568.] About stranpers/or pretence of reUffion. 907
alehouse, or tippling houses, at any unconvenient sea-
sons ? whether any of them be suspected to be a drunk-
ard, a dicer, a carder, a brawler, fighter, quarreler, or un-
quiet person, a carier of tales, a backbyter, slaunderer,
5 batemaker, or any other ways a breaker of charity or
unity, or cause unquietness by any means ?
VIII. Item, Whether you have necessary ornaments
and books of your church ? whether your church be suffi-
ciently repaired in al parts ? what stock or annual rent is
10 appointed toward the reparation of the cathedral church ?
in whose hands or custody doth it remain ?
IX. Item, Finally, you shall present what you think
necessary, or profitable for the church, to be reformed, or
of new to be appointed, and ordained in the same.
LXIX.
Archiepiac. Cant. Anno Chrigti lUg. AngtUs
Mattr. Parker 9. 1568. Eluab.io.
Queen Elizabeth's and the archbishop of Canterburjfs or^
ders for enquiry what strangers were come into the
realm for pretence of religion. Reg. Parker i. fol. 270. b.
15 To the right honourable and my lovinge brother^ the bushop
of London^ yeve thes.
A FTER my right hartie commendations unto your
'^ good lordship premised. Whereas I have of late
Queen Elizabeth's and the'] This was the third instance in the pre-
20 sent reign of inquiries being made respecting foreigners, and it was
rendered necessary by the dangerous opinions, afiecting not merely the
doctrines of the church, but also the foundations of the civil govern-
ment, which were entertained by anabaptists and others who fled from
the persecutions m the Netherlands. There were however many
25 churches of foreigners in London under the superintendanoe and pro-
tection of bishop Grindal. Strype, Ptakcr, vol. i. p. 531. Grindal,
p. 198. Ann. voL i. P. a. p. ayi.
X 2
308 On the entrance of strangers into [LXIX-
receivid the quenes majesties most honourable lettres
missive, the true tenor whereof hereafter ensueth :
Most reverend lather in Grod, right trustie and right
well beloved, we grete you well. Forasmuch as we do
understand that there do dayly repair into this our realme s
great numbers of strangers from the partes beyond the
seas, otherwyse than hath been accustomed; and the
most parte thereof pretending the cause of there coming
to be for to lyve in this realm with satisfiEU^tion of ther
conscience in Christian religion, according to the order lo
allowed in this our realme ; and doubting lest that amongst
such numbers, divers may also resorte into our realme,
that are infectid with dangerouse opinions, contrary to
the faith of Christ's church, as Anabaptistes, and such
other sectaris, or that be guilty of some other horrible 15
crimes of rebellion, murder, roberyes, or such like com-
mitted by them in the partes from whence they do come,
to which kjmde of people we do in no wise meane to
permitte any reftige within our dominions : therefore we
do will and require you to geve spedy order and com- m
maundment to the reverend father in God the byshop
of London, and all other ordinaries of any place, where
you shall thinke any such confluence of strangers to be
within your province, that without delaye, speciall and
particular visitation, and inquisition be made in every 15
parish for this purpose requisite, of all manner of per-
sons being strangers borne, of what country, qualitie, and
estate soever they be, with the probable causes of ther
coming into this our realme, and the time of ther con-
tinuance, and in what sort they do lyve, and to what 30
churches they do resorte for exercise of Christian religion,
with such other things requisite in this case to be under-
stonde, for the worthiness of there continuance in this
our realme ; and therupon to cause perfecte registers to
be made, and so to continue, and to geve advertisement 35
to our justices, and ministers of our lay power, to proceed
1568.] ibs realm for the pretence o/reKgion. 809
speedily to the trial of such, as shall be found suspectid
of the foresaid crimes or otherwise, that shall not be con-
formeable to such order of religion as is agreable to our
lawes, or as is permitted to places specially appointed for
5 the resorte of strangers, to the exercise of religion in the
use of common prayer and the sacraments: and in all
other things we will and require you to use all good dili-
gence and provision, by the meanes of the bysshopes and
ordinaries under you, as well in places exempte as other-
10 wise, that no manner of strangers be suffered to remayn
within any part of our dominions in your province, but
such as shall be knowne or commonly reputed to be of
Christian conversation, and meate to lyve under our pro-
tection, according to the treatis of entercours betwixt us
«5 and other princes our neighbours. Yeoven under our sig-
net at our manner of Grenewiche the 18th day of May,
M.D.LXViii. the tenth yere of our reign. Thes shall be
therfore in the queues majesties name to will and require
your lordship, that having regard (as I doubt not but you
20 will) to the execution of the queues majesties said lettres
within your own diocess, you do also forthwith signifie
the tenor thereof to all and singuler my brethren, the
other bishops and other ordinaries within my province
where you shall thinke any confluence of strangers to be ;
15 willing and commanding them, and every of them, in the
queues majesties name, without delaye to cause the tenor
of her majesties said lettres to be executed through every
of ther several diocesses and jurisdictions, as well in
places exempt as not exempt, as to them and every of
30 them shall appertayne. And thus I byd your lordship
most hartely well to fEure as mjrself. From my house at
Lambehith the 24th of May, m D.LXVin.
x8
310 On the entrance of strangers, 6f€, [LXIX.
The articles of inquiry were as follow :
Articles inquired of in the serche for the number of
straungers tcithi?i the city of London^ and about the
same, in the months of November and December last
pasty viz. anno Domini m.d.lxvii. s
I. First, You shall inquire how many straungers and
aliens, as well men, as women and children, are dwelling
and resyent, or abiding within your severall parishes ; and
of what nation they be ?
II. Item, How long every of them have been dwellyng «o
or abyding there, and what the names of every of them
are, and about what time every of them came first
hither ?
III. Item, Of what trade, lyving, or occupation they
be, and how many of them are vehemently suspected or 15
defamed of any evil lyving, or to be setters forward or
favourers of any naughtie religion or sect ?
IV. Item, Whether they do resorte to their parish
churches to hear divine service, and to receave the sacra-
ments, as others of the parishioners do, or are bounds
to do?
V. Item, How many of them absent themselves fix)m
theyr said several parish churches, and what their names
be?
VI. Item, How many of them resorte to their 45
churches appointed for straimgers here in the city of
London ?
15*^9 J Reereationa to he tolerated on Sunday. 311
LXX.
ArchiepisG. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Anglie
Matth. Pabker io. 1569. Elijsab. If.
A licetice for severaU recreations on Sunday toUerated by
queen Elizabeth. Ex Apographo in Prsefat. Tho. Heamii
ad Cambden. Elizab. p. 28.
To all majorSy shereffes^ constables^ and other hed officers
within the countie of Middlesex?.
A FTER our hartie commendations. Whereas we are
enformed that one John Seconton Powlter, dwell-
5 inge within the parishe of St. Clementes Daines, beinge
a poore man, havinge foure small children, and fidlen
into decaye, ys lycensed to have and use some playes
and games at or uppon nyne severall Sondaies for his
better releif, comforte and sustentacion, within the
I o countie of Middlesex, to comense and begynne at and
from the 22d dale of Maye next comynge after the date
hereof, and not to remajme in one place not above thre
severall Sondaies; and, we consideringe that great re-
sorte of people is lyke to come thereunto, we will and
15 require you as well for good order, as also for the pre*
servation of the queues majesties peace, that you take
with you foure or fyve of the discrete and substanciall
men within your office or liberties, where the games shal
be put in practise, then and there to foresee and doo
^oyour endevor to your best in that behalf duringe the
contjmuance of the games or playes, which games are
hereafter severallie mencyoned; that is to saye, the
shotinge with the standerd, the shpti^ge with the brode
A licence for several] For the sports and pastimes mentioned in this
H license, see Ascham's Toxoph. p. 109. ed. 1788. Stratt's Sp. and
Past. p. 56, &c. ed. 1810. Stab's Anatomie of Abuses, p. 134.
x4
Letta- about t^provmon o/armi
[LXXI.
airowe, the shotinge at the twelve skore prick, die
shotinge at the Turke, the leppinge for men, the mn-
ninge for men, the wrastlinge, the throwinge of the
sledge, and the pytchinge of the barre, with all suche
other games as have at any time heretofore, or now be s
licensed, used, or played. Yeoven the 26th daie of
April in the eleventh yere of the quenes majiestie's
raigne.
LXXI.
Anno ChrutI
IJ69.
The archbishop's letter to t/te bishop of London about the
provision of arms to be made by the ciergy. — Reg.
Parker, i. fol. 278. a.
A FTER my bartie commendations unto your good
lordship premised. I have of late received (as your 10
The arcMiihop't letter] The estensive conipirocy created \rf the
duke of Norfolk, followed b; the rebellion which broke out in the
north under the earls of Northumberland and Weetmoreliuid, and the
several attempti that were made for the liberation of the Scotluh
queen, occasioned great alarm at the court of Elizabeth, and led to ij
every possible measure of prudence and self-defence. " I find," aajm
Strype, " in one of the archbishop's MSS. in the Bene't coBeg^ libniy,
that this following was the way propounded of laying the charge of
tumour on the clergy.
%
Co™l«.
str
Pike
hUS
Shf»n
TifX
BiKkBHlI
==-
i
200
1
?
1
•}.
2
2
1
i
lUO
\t^i
1
1
1
2
2
2
40
'2
1
1
1
1
e
30
y
1
i
2
2
2
1
" The archbishop taxed himself at six horse with armonr ; ta> light m
horse with their furniture ; forty corslets ; forty Ahsain rivets ; fiv^
15^9*] ^<> ^ nuteh 2y the dergy. 818
lordship knoweth) commandment from the quenes high-
ness, and her honorable privy councill, to take order for
a certain view to be had, and with spede certified, of
armour to be provided by the clergy of the province of
5 Cant, according to the proportion and rate prescribed
and used in the tyme of the raigne of the late king and
queen, king Philippe and queen Mary, which rate and
proportion is to theis lettres in a schedule annexed ;
these are to will and requier your lordship to geve order
lo as well to the clergy of your own dioces, for the reddy
performance of the same, as also to signifie the said
commandment to the residewe of my brethren, the other
bysshopes of my province of Cant, willing and command-
ing them, and every of them, forthwith to accomplish
15 her highness said commandment in every ther several
dioceses and jurisdictions, as to them and ther bounden
dueties appertajmeth, and the same view by them and
every of them so taken, according to the said rate and
proportion, spedely to certifie unto me at Lambehith,
ao with the names, surnames, and promotions of all that,
according to the said schedule, be chargeable vrith any
such provision. And thus I byd your lordship most
hartely well to fare as my self. From my house at
Lambehith the 6th of May, M.D.LXIX.
'5 Whereas the lordes of the quenes majesties most
honorable privye counsaile have geven commaundment
for the provision of armour and other furniture by the
clergie of this realm, according to such order and ratefif,
as was used in the tyme of the late king Philippe and
30 queen Mary, the several rates and order then used in
that behalf are hereafter particularly specified ; videlicet
That every one of the cleigie having landes, or pos-
pikes ; thirty long bows ; thirty sheaves of arrows ; thirty steel caps ;
twenty black bills ; twenty harqaebuts; and twenty numons.** Strype,
35 Parker, vol. i. pp. 543, 544. Comp. Lingard^ voL v. p. a88.
814 Letter aiaui thepriwigUM i^afm$ by the elergy. [LXXI.
sessions of estate of enheritage of freholde, shall jHroyide
and find, and be chargeble with armour, horses, and
other furniture in such sort, and in manner, and forme,
as every temporal] man is charged, by reason of his
landes and possessions, by vertue of the statute made in 5
the fourth and fifth yeres of the reignes of the late king
Philippe and queen Mary.
Item, That every one of the said clergie, having bene-
fits, spiritual promotions or pensions, the clere value
whereof, either by themselves, or jojmed together, do 10
amounte to the clere yerely value of xxx/. or upwards,
shall be bound and charged to provide, have, and mayn-
tejne armour, and other provision requisite, according
to such proportion and rate, as the temporaltie are bound
and charged by the said statute, by reason of their 15
moveable goodes.
Item, If any of the clergie of this realm have both
temporal] landes and possessions, and also spiritual pro-
motions, he shall be charged with armour and other
provision according to the greatest rate of one of them, 10
and not with both.
Observations in rating the proportion of armour.
I. Furst, The bushop to rate himself amongest the
temporaltie for landes.
II. Secondly, To rate the dean and prebendaries, asis
the temporaltie, for goods from xxx/. upwards.
III. Item, To rate the whole diocess in like sorte.
IV. Item, To accompte such as be resident within the
diocess under the sonmie of xxx/. and yet having bene-
fices or pensions elsewhere to make up the same somme jo
or upwardes, to be rated there amonge the supplies.
V. Item, To rate every incumbent where he is resi-
dent, and every ordinarie chaplain not resident, in the
diocess where he serveth.
^5^9'] Leti«r of the eotmcU, ^. 815
Lxxn.
Archiepiso. Cant. Anno Chriiti B«g. Anglia
Matth. Parker io. ^5^* Elizab. ii.
Letter of the council to the archbishop of Canterbury abatU
the recovering the discipline of the church. — Ex originali
in Sylloge Epist. annex. Tito Livio Foro-Juliensi
edit. Hearn. p. 179. seq.
A FTER our very heartie commendations to your good
lordship. The queen's mi^estie of late in conference
Letter of the council] Strype, Parker, toL L p. 557. The earnest
admonitioiis given in this letter on the subject of preaching, were
5 occasioned not merely by the great exertions made equally at tiiis
period by papists and puritans, and the danger in which the civil
government was then placed, but also by the recent silencing of many
of the most active preachers on account of their non-conformity. The
severe tone of reprehension adopted towards the bishops, was in ac-
10 cordance with the general spirit of the times, which found matter of
accusation against them in various causes, but more especially in the
coarse treatment they experienced from the court, in the odium they
contracted from the queen's extreme love of discipline, and the un-
reasonable impatience that was felt at the slow progress of general
15 improvement. This spirit is abundantly shewn in the preamble of the
statute 13 EHiz. c. 10, which charges ecclesiastics ¥rith the spoUatkm
of church property, in the persecution sustained by archbiBhop Sandys
in his northern province, and in the frequent i^ppeals that were made
by the bishops to Cecil and Walsingham for support and protection.
20 And doubtless there were cases in which severe reprehension was fnUy
deserved ; for it is on record that bishop Scambler was translated from
Peterborough to Norwich on account of the readiness he had shewn
to assist in the plunder of the church. (Wharton's Observ. on Strype's
Cranm. p. 1055.) But the just and honest view of the subject may
25 be given in the following words of lord Bacon, written near the dose
of Elizabeth's reign. " It is the double policy of the spiritual enemy
cither by counterfeit holiness of life to establish and anthcnrize errors,
or by corruption of manners to discredit and draw in question troth
and things lawful. This concemetfa my lords the bishops, unto whom
316 Letter of the council about the [LXXII.
with us upon the state of this her realm, among other
things meet to be reformed, is moved to think, that uni-
versally in the ecclesiastical government the care and
diligence, that properly belongeth to the oflSce of bishops,
and other ecclesiastical prelates and pastors of this church ^
of England, is of late years so diminished and decayed,
as no small number of her subjects, partly for lack of
diligent teaching and information, partly for lack of cor-
rection and reformation, are entered either into danger-
ous errors, or into a manner of life of contempt or 15
libertie, without use or exercise of any rite of the church,
openly forbearing to resort to their parish churches,
where they ought to use common prayers, and to learn
the will of God by hearing of sermons, and consequently
receive the holy sacraments. Of the increase of which is
lamentable disorders her majestic conceiveth great grief
and offence, and therefore hath expresly charged us to
enquire the truth hereof by all good means possible, and
to provide speedily for the reformation and remedie
hereof. Whereupon according to her majesties chaige, ^
and as we find it very requisite of our own dueties, as
well towards Almighty God, as to her majestic and our
countrey, we have entered into a further consideration
hereof; and though we find a concurrencie of many
causes, whereupon such general disorders and contempts n
have of late years grown and encreased, (the remedie
I am witness to myself that 1 stand affected as 1 ought. No contra-
diction hath supplanted in me the reverence that 1 owe to their calling ;
neither hath any detraction or calumny imbased mine opinion of their
persons. 1 know some of them, whose names are most pierced ¥nth Jo
these accusations, to be men of great virtues ; although the indispo-
sition of the times, and the want of correspondence many myn, k
enough to frustrate the best endeavours in the edifying of the chnrdi.
And for the rest, generally, 1 can condemn none. 1 am no jodge of
them that belong to so high a Master: neither have 1 ' two ¥ritne88et.' S5
And 1 know it is truly said of fame, ' Pariter facta atque infecta cme-
bat.'" Advertisement on Church Controversies, Works, voL iL p. 507.
1569.] discipline of ike church. 817
whereof we mean to seek and procure by as many other
good meanes as we can) yet certainly we find no one
cause hereof greater, nor more manifest, than an uni-
versal oversight and negligence (for less we cannot term
5 it) of the bishops of the realm, who have not only pecu-
liar possessions, to find, provide, and maintain officers,
but have also jurisdiction over all inferior ministers^
pastors, and ciuutes, by them to enquire or be informed
of these manner of contempts and disorders, and by
10 teaching and correction to reform them ; or if the of-
fenders should for any respect appear incorrigible,
thereof to make due information to her majestic, as
the supream governor under God of the whole realme.
And surely, though we know, that some of the bishops
15 of the realme are to be more commended than some
other, for preaching, teaching, and visiting of their
diocese, yea and for good hospitality, and other good
examples of life ; yet at this time doubting, that a great
part of the realm in sundrie places is touched with
10 the infection of these disorders, tho* some more, some
less, and (as we fear) no bishoprick fully free : we have
therefore necessarily concluded to notifie to every one
of the bishops alike this her miyesties carefullnefls
and desire to have her realm herein reformed, and for
IS that purpose at this present, to seek the understanding of
every diocese in certain points thereafter following. And
therefore we vrill and require your lordship in her ma-
jestie's name, that first ye vdll earnestly conceive, and
thankfully allow, of this her m^jestie's godly disposition,
30 and next that yow do circumspectly and as quietly as
yow may (without any manner of proceeding, likely to
breed public offence) enquire or cause to be enquired by
such, as are faithful officers, and not dissemblers, what
persons they be, and of what qualitie, d^free, and name^
35 that have not of late time resorted to their parish
churches within your diocese, or have not used the oom^
318 Letter of ths a>WM!%l ahmU the [LXXIL
moil prayers, according to the lawes of the realm, or haTe
not at usual times received the holy sacrament, and how
long they have forbom. And furtlier also we require to
be advertised, what ecclesiastical public oflScers yow have
under your lordship in your diocese, who they be,- what 5
their names and degrees, ordained to see to the execution
of the laws of the church. Likewise what preachers yow
have, properly for the more part conversant with yourself
in your houshold, and what other preachers residing
abroad in your diocese, and what ecclesiastical livings 10
every of them hath, with the values thereof, or what
other stipends they have, wherewith they have any main-
tenance or suRtentation to continue in the functions.
Likewise we require yow by authority of these our letters
to conferr with the dean and chapter of your cathedral 15
church, and with the heads of any other collegiate church
in your diocese, or with any other persons having any
peculiar jurisdiction within your diocese, and cause them
to certifie distinctly by writing, what number of pre-
bendaries, canons, and preachers they have, which do to
reside within the said churches and jurisdictions, and how
many do not reside, and how many of them do, and not
use to preach, and what be their names and degrees, and
in like sort the names and degrees of them, that have any
sustentation in their churches to preach, and yet do not 35
reside, nor do preach. And likewise we desire to be ad-
vertised, what churches or places ordained to have com-
mon prayer, are by any meanes presently void of curates,
and in whose default the same happeneth, and in what
sort yow think the same may be best remedied. Andjo
whilst yow shall be occupied in the inquisition hereof,
wherein we would have yow use all good diligence; we
heartily and earnestly require your lordship, as yow would
be counted worthy of your calling, to employ all your
care and industry in procuring more diligent preaching 35
and teaching within your diocese, as well by your self, at
15^9*] discipline of the church. 819
by all others having the gift to preach : and therein to
use all charitable means by diligent instruction and fiedth-
ful teaching and example of life, to stay the good, faith-
ful; and obedient subjects in their duties, and to induce
5 and perswade others to return from their disorders and
errors, so as all parties may observe their duties in the
public and open service of Almighty God, according to
his ordinance, and as by the conmion order of the realm
is for God's honour established. And whatsoever your
>o lordship shall think meet and needful to be granted or
devised for your furder assistance, thereof to advertise us,
whom yow shall find ready to add and satisfie yow as &rr
forth, as we shall find in our powers reasonable, either by
our selves, or by meanes to her majestie, whom we per-
»s ceive earnestly disposed to have the glory of Grod in-
crease, by the due reverence of all her subjects in his
service, according to his blessed word and command-
ment. And thus we bid your good lordship well to fare.
From Windsore 6^ of November, m.dxxix.
^° Your lordship's loving friends^
N. Bacon Cane. W. Howard.
F. Bedford. R. Sadleir.
E. Clynton. F. KnoUys.
W. Northt. Wa. Mildmay.
25 R. Leicester. W. Cecil.
Postscript : We pray your lordship not to delay the
answering to us with speed the names of the recusants to
come to church, without delaying for the rest, and to
procure the like certificates of these matters from the
30 bishopricks of Chichester and Oxford now vacant, and to
that end to send them a copie of these our letters, with
special charge to see the same accomplished.
320 ArcNmkop Parker's visitation artidet. [LXXIII<
LXXIII.
Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Anglue
Matth. Parker i i. 1569. Elizab. is.
Articles to be enquired of within the diocese of Conter-
burxfy in the ordinarie visitation of the moste reverende
fat/ier in God Matthew^ by the providence of God arche--
byshop of Canterbury^ primate of all Englande and
metropolitane^ in the yeare of oure Lorde Grod m.dxxix.
Ex Reg. Parker, i. fol. 302. a.
T NPRIMIS, Whether divine service be sayde or songe
by youre minister or ministers in your severall churches
duely and reverently, as it is set forth by the lawes of
this realme, without any kinde of variation. And whe-
ther the holy sacramentes be likewise ministred reverently 5
in such manner, as by the lawes of this realme, and by
the queue's majesties injimctions, and by thadvertise-
mentes set forthe by publike authority is appointed and
prescribed.
II. Item, Whether you have in youre paryshe churches lo
all things necessary and requisite for common prayer and
administration of the sacraments, specially the booke of
common prayer, the Bible in the largest volume, the
homilyes, with the paraphrases of Erasmus, ^a convenient
pulpit wel placed, a comly and decent table for the holy 15
Articles to be enquired] This visitation was made by comimnioii
granted to the sufiragan of Dover and others, and seems to have been
occasioned by the preceding letter of the comicil. Among the Dew m-
quiries are (art. 16) " Whether there be in yom* quarters any that
openly or privily use or frequent any kind of divine service or common m
prayer, other than is set forth by the laws of the realm/' and (art. 18)
" whether there be any that keep any secret conventicles, preadiings,
lectures or readings, contrary to the laws." Comp. Strype, Furker,
vol i. p. 562.
1569O ArcMisAcp Parker' % visiMum ariiole$. 8Xi
communion covered decently, and set in place prescribed
by the quene*s majesties injunctions, the cheste or
boxe for the poore men, and al oth^ thinges necessary in
and to the premisses. And whether your aulters bee
5 taken downe, accordinge to the commaimdemente in that
bebalfe geven,
III. Item, Whether youre prestes, curates, or ministers
do use in the time of the celebration of divine service to
weare a surples, prescribed by the queue's mijestie*s in-
ro junctions and the boke of common prayer. And whether
they do celebrate the same divine service in the chauncell
or in the churche, and do use all rites and orders pre-
scribed in the boke of common prayer, etc* aad none
other.
15 IV. Item, Whether your curates or ministers do pub-
liquely in theire open churches reade in manner ap-
pojmted the queue's m^jestie's injunctions and homelies ;
the aduertisementes lately sette forthe by publique au-
thoritie. And whether tiie same in all poyntes be duly
20 observed.
V. Item, Whether youre curates or ministers or any of
them do use to minister the sacramente of baptisme in
basons, or els in the fonte standing in the place accus-
tomed. And whether the same fonte be decently kepte.
25 ^ And whether they do use to minister the holye com-
munion in waferbread according to the queene's nugestie's
injunctions, or els in common bread. ^ And also vdie-
ther they do minister in any prophane cuppes, bowles,
dishes, or chalices heretofore used at maase, or els in a
30 decent communion cuppe provided and kept for the same
purpose only. And whether the communicants do use to
rcceyve the holy conmiunion standinge, sittinge, or els
knealinge.
VL Item, Whether ymages and al other monuments
35 of ydolatry and superstition be destroyed and abolyshed
in your several paryshes. And whetiier your churches
VOL. I. Y
S22 Archbishop Parker's visitatum articles. [LXXIII.
and chauncels be well adorned and conveniently kept
without waste, destruction, or abuse of anye thinge.
Whether the roode lofte be pulled downe, according to
the order prescribed : and if the partition betweene the
chauncell and the churche be kepte. Whether youres
churchyardes be well fenced and cleanly kepte. Whether
anye sale have been made of youre churche goods, by
whom and to whom, and what hathe been done with the
moneye thereof commyng. Whether youre chauncels
and parsonages be well and sufficiently repaired. Whe- to
ther any man have pulled downe or discovered any
church, chauncel, chappel, almeshouse, or suche like, or
have plucked downe the bells, or have felled or spoyled
any wood or timber in any churchyarde.
VII. Item, Whether there be any parsons, that in- 15
trude themselfe, and presume to exercise any kinde of
mynistery in the churche of God without imposition of
handes and ordinary aucthority. Whether theire churche
or chappell be served with any readers. Or whether
any minister do remove from any other diocese to serve «o
in this without letters testimoniall of the ordinary from
whome he came, to testify the cause of his departynge
thence and of hys behaviour. Or any beinge once preist
or minister, that dothe not minister or frequente and re-
sorte to the common prayer now used, and at tymes ap- 15
poynted communicate. And whether anye suche do goe
and boaste himselfe lyke a layman.
VIII. Item, Whether youre parsons and vicars be resi-
dente continually upon their benefices. Whether they
give themselves to devoute prayer, discreate reading of 30
the scripture, and godly contemplacion, and releave the
poore charitably to their hability, according to the queen's
injunctions. Whether they pray for the prosperous estate
of the queue's majestye, as is prescribed in her graces
injunctions. ^
IX. Item, Whether anye of youre ministers dothe or
15^9-] ArchHshcp Parker's writaHonarHehi, S28
hathe admitted any notoriouse sinner or malicious person
out of charitie, withoute juste penaunce done and recon-
ciliation had, to receave the holy communion; or any
that hath not receaved the same accordinge as to a
5 Christian appertayneth, and by the lawes it is appoynted.
And whether you do heare or knowe any, tiiat doth use
to say or heare the private masse, or doe use any othw
service, then is prescribed by the lawes of this realme.
X. Item, Whether your ministers doe call uppon
>o fathers, mothers, and maisters of youthe to bringe them up
in the feare of Almighty Grod, in obedience and in con-
venient occupations. Whether they bee peacemakers
and exhorte the people to obedience to their prince^ and
to all other that be in authoritie, to charity and mutual
>5 love among themselves. Whether they geve themselTeB
to superstition, and bee maintainors of the unleamed
people in ignoraunce.
XI. Item, Whether your parsons, vicars, and curates
be common gameners, hunters, haunters of tavemes or
20 alehouses, suspected of any notable crime, fiGUiters of for-
rein poures, letters of good religion, preachers of corrupt
doctrine, stubbome or disobedient to lawes and orders.
Whether they be geven to filthy lucre. Whether they
be light either in exaumple of life, or in unwont and un-
25 semely apparell.
XII. Item, Whether anye of your benefices be vacant,
how longe they have ben vacant, who is patrone. Whe-
ther there be any laye or temporall men (not beinge
within orders) or chUdren, or anye other (within age) that
30 hath or enjoyeth ani benefice or spiritual promotion ; any
patron that suffereth any benefice to be vacante, and
taketh the tithes and other fructes to himselfe.
XIII. Item, Whether your ministers keepe their regis-
ters well, and do present the copy of them <mce every
35 yeare by indenture to the ordinary or his officers. And
teache the articles of the &yth, and the tenne commaunde-
324 Archbishop Parker's msitatian artides, [LXXIXI.
mentes, and the Lorde's prayer, aa is prescribed them in
the catechisme.
XIV. Item, Whether youre parsons and vicars have
any other or mo benefices ; where and in what countrey
they bee: whether they came by them by symony, ors
other unlawfiil meanes. Whether they do let their
benefices to farme, or els kepe them in theire owne
handes. Whether they keepe hospitalitye or not. Whe-
ther in their absence they leave their cures to honest,
learned, or expert curates. Whether they make their lo
ordinarye sermons accordinge to the queene's majestie's
injunctions as they oughte to do, and saye theire service
sensibly and distinctly.
XV. Item, Whether the laye people be diligent in
comminge to the churche on the holy dayes, and with all »5
humbleness, reverentlye and devoutelye do geve them-
selves to the hearinge of commune prayer in the time
thereof, and otherwise occupy themselves in private
praiers, readinge of scriptures, or other vertuouse exercise.
Yf anye be negligente or wilfull, whether the forfeiture w
be leved on their goods to the use of the poore, according
to the lawes of this realm in that behalf provided. And
what mony hath ben gathered by the churchewardens of
the forfets.
XVI. Item, Whether there be in your quarters any 15
that openly or privily use or frequent any kinde of divine
service, or common prayer, other then is set forth by the
lawes of this realme ; and disturbers of common prayers or
letters of the worde of God to be reade, preached, or
hearde : anye that by coverte or craftye meanes deprave 30
or contemne the same ; or that speake to the derogation
of the queene's majestie's aucthority and power, or of the
lawes set out by publike aucthority.
XVII. Item, Whether there be amonge you any blas-
phemers of the name of Almighty God, adalterera|3S
baudes, or receavers of such persons; any suspected of
15^9-1 Archbishop Parker's visUatum artkisi, 9Sili
incest or any other notoriouse fault, edn, or crime ; any
dronkardes, ribalds, common slaunderers of their neigfa-
boures, raylers, or scolders, sowers of discorde betweene
neighboures by playes, rimes, fiuuouse libels, or other-
5 wise.
XVIII. Item, Whether there be in your parishes any
inkeepers, or alewives, that admit any resorte to their
houses in tyme of common prayer. Anye that com-
monlye absente themselves from theyre owne churches :
loor otherwise idely or lewdlye prophaneth the Sabbath
day. Any that keepe any secret conyenticles, preachings,
lectures, or readings contrary to the lawes. Any sus-
pected of heresy, or that maintain any erronious opinians
contrary to the lawes of Almighty God and good religion,
>5 by publique authoritie in this realme set forth.
XIX. Item, Whether there be in these patties, which
minister the goodes of those, whiche be deadci, without
aucthoritie, any executors that havie not fulfilled their
testators will, specially in paying of legacies geveli to
20 good and godly uses; fU3 to the reliefe of poverte, to
poore schoUers, orphanes, highewaies, manage of poore
maidens, and suche like. Whether youre hospitals and
almeshouses be justly used accordinge to the foundation
and auncient ordinaunces of the same. Whether there be
25 any other placed in them, than poore, impotent, and
needy persons, that hath not otherwise whereni^th or
whereby to live.
XX. Item, Whether there be any which of late have
bequeathed in their testamentes, or otherwaies ther be
30 appointed by ordinaries any summes of mony, jewelles,
plate, omamentes, or annuities for the erection of any
obites, diriges, trentals, or any such like use, now by the
lawes of this realme not permitted ; and if there be, that
you present the names of such executors, the qulmtity
35 and quality of the guifbe, that ordre may be taken theiin
accordingly.
Y 8
3S6 ArcUMhop Parker's vidtaiian articles. [LXXIIL
XXI. Item^ Whether there be any mony or stoke, ap^
pertaininge to any paryshe churche, in anye manne's
handes, that refiise or differeth to paye the same ; or that
useth fraude, deceite, or delaye to make anye accompte
in the presence of the honestye in the parishe for the 5
same. Whether youre churchewardens and others afore-
tyme, have gyven the yearly accompte, accordinge unto
the custome as it hath been aforetime used. Whether
the store of the poore mennes boxe be openlie and indif-
ferentlie given where node is, without parcial affection, lo
Whether any stocke of cattel or grain appertaininge to
your churches be decaied ; by whose negligence, and in
whose handes.
XXII. Item, Whether youre schoolemasters be of a
sincere religion, and be diligent in teaching and bringing 15
up of youth. Whether they teach any other grammar,
then such as is appointed by the queene's majestie's in*
junction annexed to the same, or not.
XXIII. Item, Whether there be anye among you that
use sorcerie or inchauntement, magike incantations, or 30
nigromancie, or that be suspected of the same.
XXIV. Item, Whether there be anye in these partes,
that have maried within degrees of affinitie or consan-
guinitio, by the lawes of God forbidden, so set oute in
a table for an admonition. Any man that hath two wives, 15
or anie woman that hath two husbandes. Anie that
beinge divorced or seperated aside, hath maried againe.
Anye maried that have made pre-contracts. Anye that
have married without banes thrise solemnelye asked.
Anye couples maried that live not together, but slaun- 30
derouslie live apart. Any that have maried out of the
parishe churche, where they ought to have the same
solemnised.
XXV. Item, Whether any youre ordinaries within this
dioces, theire chauncellor, ofiicialls, commissaries, regis- 35
. tors, and all and singuler others, that have or do ezwdse
1569.] ArchiisAap Pcu-Jter's visikftio^ ' SST
any visitation or jurisdiction ecclesiastical within any part
of this dioces, have uprightlyt fiuthfully, and unfaynedly
to the uttermost of their powers observed in theyre owne
persons, and towardes all other put in due execution the
5 queene's nugestie's ecclesiasticall lawes, statutes, ii\}unc*
tions, and al her highnes other commaundementes pub-
lished for uniformitie of doctrine, and due order of the
publike ministration of Grod's holy worde and sacramentes,
and have commended and favored all such as sought the
10 same, and condignely punished al suche as sought the
contrary.
XXVI. Item, Whether have any of them at any time
wittingly suffered faultes and transgressions to remayne
unpunished, for mony, gayne, pleasure, frendeshippe, or
15 any other affectionate respecte; or yf any of them be or
have beene burdensome to the subjectes of theire severaU
jurisdictions, by exacting or takinge excessive fees, pro*
curations, any rewardes or commodities by the way of
promotion, gift, contribution, helpe, loane, redemption of
90 penance, omission of quarter sermons, obtaining of any
benefice or office, or any other like ways or meanes.
XXVII. Item, Whether the parishioners of eveiye
parishe duelye pay unto the collectors of the same for the
poore, accordinge to the statute in that behalfe provided^
25 all suche sommes of money a£i they be oessid at, or of
benevolence have graunted, for the reliefe of the poore^
or no ; or whether any have or doe refuse to paye the
same or no.
Generally, Whether there be any evill livers or of-
30 fenders of the lawes of Almightie God : anie suspected of
any notorious sinne, faulte, or crime, to the offence of
Christian people committed : anie that stubbumlie refuse
to conforme themselfe to unitie and good religion : anie
that bruteth abroad rumors of the alteration of the same,
35 or otherwise that disturbeth good orders^ and the quiet-
nesse of Christe's chuidie and Christian congregation,
y4
S28 Ikimn(Uio et eMommunicafio reffinee EKze^etkar. [LXXIV.
LXXIV.
Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Aiigfiv
JMattii. Parker ii. >570- Eluab. 12.
Damnatio et ejccommunicatio Elizaheth(B regitue Anglue^
eique adhcerentiumy cum aliarum poenarum adjectione,
perpapam Pium quintum. — Ex BuUario Romano, vol. ii.
p. 303.
"piUS episcopus, servus servornm Dei, ad perpetnam rei
memoriam. Regnans in excelsis, cui data est omnia
Damnatio et excommunicatid] This bull bears date the 27th of April,
1570. It was soon known and read (although very privately) in Eng*
land ; for on the i oth of July in the same year bishop Cox wrote to 5
Bullinger, requesting him to reply to three of the propositions contained
in it. (Hess, Catal. vol. ii. p. 2 1 5.) On the 7th of August bishop Jewel
wrote to Bullinger on the same subject, and appears to have sent him a
copy of the bull. (Hess, Cat. vol. ii. p. 2 15. Strype, Ann. vol. i. P. a. p.
5 79.) On the 2nd of March 1 5 7 1 , Felton affixed the bull to the gates of to
the bishop of London's palace. (Strype, Ann. vol. ii. P. i. p. 23.) On the
same day bishop Jewel in writing to Bullinger respecting the boll, saya
that the attempts of the pope ** adeo irriti sunt facti, ut nunc a pueria
rideantur." (Hess, Cat. vol. ii. p. 218.) On the 27th of July 157 1,
Hilles in a letter to Bullinger says that the confutation that he had sent 15
to England in MS. was then in the press, together with his letter ad-
dressed to the archbishop of York and the Inshops of EHy and Saliabnry.
(Hess, Cat. vol. ii. p. 219.) In the same year Day the printer informs
Bullinger that the work, as printed by himself and corrected by bishop
Cox, was ready for circulation, and sends him several copies of it. lo
(Hess, Cat. vol. ii. p. 222.) The bishops at first had great doubts whe-
ther they should be acting wisely in publishing the answer to a paper
which was not very generally known. It was however read by the
queen herself, and finally published in English as well as Latin ; the
queen's approval being conveyed to Bullinger by archbishop Grindal in 35
January 1572, and by bishop Cox in the following month. (Hess, Cat.
vol. ii. pp. 222. 224.) Comp. Strype, Ann. vol. i. P. a. pp. 354. 579.
Parker, vol. ii. p. 78. Hallam, Const. Hist. vol. i. p. 147. lingard, vol. v.
p. 298.
1570.] DamnoHo ei exoomfmmicatio repinof EUxabUkm. 889
in caelo et in terra potestas, unani sanctam^ catholioam, et
apostolicam ecclesiam, extra quara nulla est sains, uni
soli in terris, videlicet apostolorum principi Petro, Petri-
que successori Romano pontifici, in potestatis plenitadine
5 tradidit gnbemandam. Hunc unum super omnes gentes
et omnia regna principem constituit, qui eyellat, destruat,
dissipet, disperdat, plantet, et sedificet, ut fidelem popu-
lum, mutuse charitatis nexu constrictum, in unitate
Spiritus contineat, salvumque et incolumem sue exhi-
»o beat salvatori.
Quo quidem in munere obeundo, nos ad praedictae e&-
clesiae gubemacula Dei benignitate vooati, nullum laborem
intermittimus, omni opera contendenteSy ut ipsa unitas et
catholica religio (quam illius auctor ad probandam suo-
15 rum iidem et correctionem nostram, tantis prooellis con-
flictari permisit) Integra conservetur. Sed impiorum
numerus tantum potentia inyaluit) ut nullus jam in orbe
locus sit relictus, quem illi pessimis doctrinis ooirumpero
non tentarint; adnitente inter caeteros flagitiorum serva
3o Elizabetha, praetensa Anglise regina, ad quam veluti ad
asylum omnium infestissimi profugium invenerunt. Haec
eadem, regno occupato, supremi ecclesifls capitis locum in
omni Anglia, ejusque prsscipuam auctoritatem atque juris-
dictionem monstruose sibi usurpans, regnum ipsum jam
n turn ad fidem catholicam et bonam frugem reducttimt
rursus in miserum exitium revocavit.
Usu namque verae religionis, quam ab illius desertdre
Henrico VIII. olim eversam, clarae memoriie Maria, re.
gina legitima, hujus sedis praesidio reparaTerat, potenti
30 manu inhibito, secutisque et amplexis hieretieorum erfo-
ribus, regium consilium ex Anglica nobilitate eonfectum
diremit, illudque obscuris hominibus hiereticis complevit,
catholicse fidei cultores oppressit, improbos concionatores
atque impietatum administros reposuit ; missae saerifleiuiii,
35 preces, Jejunia, dborum delectum, edeUbotom^ ritosque
catholicos abolevit; libros, manifestam luereaim conti-
3S0 Damnatio et excommunicatio reginae ESiasaMhmm ^XXI V*
nentes, toto regno proponi, impia mysteria et institata
ad Calvini praescriptum a se suscepta et observata^ etiam
a subditis servari mandavit; episcopos, ecclesiarum rec-
tores, et alios sacerdotes catholicos suis ecclesiis et bene-
ficiis ejicere, ac de illis et aliis rebus ecclesiasticis ins
haereticos homines disponere, deque ecclesiae causis decer-
ncre ausa, pnclatis, clero, et populo, ne Romanam eccle-
siam agiiosccrent, neve ejus praeceptis, sanctionibusque
canonicis obtemperarent, interdixit ; plerosque in nefarias
leges suas venire, et Romani pontificis auctoritatem atque <«
obedicntiam abjurare ; seque solam in temporalibus et spi-
ritualibus dominam agnoscere jurejurando coegit ; poenas
et supplicia in eos, qui dicto non essent audientes, impo-
suit; easdemque ab iis, qui in unitate fidei et praedicta
obedientia perseveraruut, exegit ; catholicos antistites, et iS
ecclesiarum rectores in vincula conjecit, ubi multi diu-
tumo languore et tristitia confecti, extremum vitae diem
misere iiiiiverunt. Quae omnia cum apud omnes nationes
pcrspicua et notoria sint, et gravissimo quamplurimorum
testimonio ita comprobata, ut nuUus omnino locus excu- «o
sationis, defensionis, aut tergiversationis relinquatur.
Nos multi])licantibus aliis atque aliis super alias im-
pietatibus et facinoribus, et praeterea fidelium persecu-
tione, religionisque afilictione, impulsu et opera dictae
Elizabethse quotidie magis ingravescente, quoniam illius'S
animum ita obiirmatum atque induratum intelligimus,
ut non modo pias catholicorum principum de sanitate
et conversiono preces, monitionesque contempserit, sed
ne hujus quidem sedis ad ipsam hac de causa nuncios
in Angliam trajicere permiserit ; ad arma justitiffi jo
contra earn de necessitate conversi, dolorem lenire non
possumus, quod abducamur in unam animadvertere, cu-
jus majores de republica Christiana tantopere meruere.
Illius itaque auctoritate sufiuiti, qui nos in hoc supremo
justitiffi throno, licet tanto operi impares, voluit cello- 35
care, de apostolicae potestatis plenitudine declaramus
1570.] Danmatio ei exc(mmfmicatio refftnof EKzaM 961
prsedictam Elizabethan! hsereticam et haereticorum fieiu-
tricem, eique adhserentes in praedictis, anathematis sen-
tentiam incurrisse, esseque a Christi corporis- unitate
prsecisos ; qninetiam ipsam prsBtenso regni prsedioti jure,
d necnon onmi et quocunque domimo, dignitate, privile^o-
que privatam.
Et item proceres, subditos et populos dicti regni, ac
cseteros omnes, qui illi quomodocunque Juravenmt, a
juramento hujusmodi, ac omni prorsus dominii, fidelitatis,
10 et obsequii debito perpetuo absolutes, prout nos illos
prsesentium auctoritate absolvimus ; et priyamus eandem
Elizabethan! praetenso jure regni, aliisque omnibus su-
pradictis; praecipimusque et interdicimus universis et
singulis proceribus, subditis, populis, et aliis prsedictis, ne
'5 illi, ejusve monitis, mandatis, et legibus audeant obe-
dire. Qui secus egerint, eos simili anathematis sententia
innodamus.
Quia vero ' dif&cile nimis esset, praesentes quocunque
illis opus erit perferre, volumus, ut earum exempla no-
^otarii publici manu et prselati ecclesiastici, ejusve curias
sigillo obsignata, eandem illam prorsus fidem in judicio
et extra illud, ubique gentium feciant, quam ipsae prae-
sentes facerent, si essent exhibitse vel ostensae. Dat.
Romae apud S. Petrum anno incamationis dominicae
35 M.D.LXX. 5. cal. Mail, pontificatus nostri anno quinto.
332 The queejCt Utter for [LXXV.
LXXV.
Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christ! R«g. Ang&t
Matth. Parker ii. X57i* Elubab. 13.
Qiieeii Elizabeth's letter to tfie archbishop for uniformity
in church niatters. — Strype, Parker, p. 880.
A/TOST reverend father in God, right trusty and right
well beloved, we greet you well. Where we require
you, as the metropolitan of our realm, and as the prin-
cipal person in our commission for causes ecclesiastical,
to have good regard, that such uniform order in the 5
divine service and rules of the church might be duly
kept, as by the laws in that behalf is provided, and by
our injunctions also is declared and explained ; and that
you should call to your assistance certain of our bishops,
Queen Elizabeth's letter] Bishops Cox and Home had uniformly lo
acted in accordance with archbishop Parker, and their ^Eunilies were
closely united with his by intennarriages. At this period bishop Cox
was released from attendance on the court of high commission in
London, having a more important charge committed to him in reoeir-
ing the bishop of Rosse, an agent of the Scottish queen, for safie cut- 15
tody in his palace at EHy. It was not easy to find another bishop to
supply his ]>lacc, who was well qualified to act on the commission, and
equally possessed the confidence of the queen's government. But
bishop Sandys, lately raised to the see of London, was a man of much
resolution, and stood high in the estimation of Leicester and Cecil ; 20
and bishop Jewel, who was earnest in any cause that he undertookp
had lately acted and written with great spirit against the non-con-
formists, and was a person whose high reputation would be of service
in promoting the measures of the court. These were accordingly ap-
pointed ; but the latter did not act on the commission, as he died on >5
the 2 2d of September, in about a month from the time of his appdnt-
ment. Strype, Parker, vol. ii. p. 7. Ann. vol. ii. P. i. p. 37. Parker,
vol. i. p. 369. Ann. vol. i. P. 2. p. 133. Wordsworth's Ecd. Biog.
vol. iv. p. 52.
157 1*] fmi/armitjf in ehnreh nuitUri. 889
to reform the abuses and disorders of sundry persons,
seeking to make alteration therein; we understanding
that with the help of the reverend fathers in God, the
bishops of Winton and Ely, and some others, ye have
^ well entered into some convenient reformation of things
disordered, and that now the bishop of Ely is by our
commandment repaired into his diocese, whereby ye
shall want his assistance ; we minding earnestly to have
a perfect reformation of all abuses, attempted to deform
'^the uniformity prescribed by our laws and iiyunctions,
and that none shall be suffered to decline either on the
left or on the right hand from the direct line limited by
authority of our said laws and injunctions, do earnestly
by our authority royal will and charge you, by all means
'5 lawful, to proceed herein, as you have begun. And for
your assistance we will, that you shall, by authority
hereof, and in our name, send for the bishops of London
and Sarum, and communicate these our ' letters with
them, and straitly charge them to assist you from time
2o to time, between this and the month of October, to do
all manner of things requisite to reform such abuses as
afore are mentioned, in whomsoever ye shall find the
same. And if you shall find in any of the said bishops
(which we trust ye shall not) or in any other, whose aid
25 you shall require, any remissness to aid and assist you,
if upon your admonition the same shall not be amended,
we charge you to advertise us. For we mean not that
any persons, having credit by their vocation to aid you,
shall for any respect forbear or become remiss in this
30 service, tending to the observation of our laws, injunc-
tions, and commandments. Given at our manor of Hat-
field the 20th day of August, in the 18th year of our
reign.
334 Edm. GrindaU, ar<Muhcp of York's vnjwnetimt. [LXXVI.
LXXVI.
Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Angli»
Mattii. Parker 12. >57>* Elizas. 13.
Edm, GrindaU arMishop of York^s injunctions. — R^.
Ebor. fol. 155. in Strype's Life of Grindall, p. 167.
Fm* the dergy.
^ I ^H AT for the ministration of the communion bread,
they should not deliver it unto the people into the
mouths, but into their hands; nor should use at the
ministration of the communion, any gestures, rites, or 5
ceremonies, not aj)pointed by the book of common prayer ;
as crossing, or breathing over the sacramental bread or
wine ; nor any shewing or lifting up of the same to the
people, to be by them worshipped or adored, nor any
such like ; nor should use any oil, or chrism, tapers, 10
spittle, or any other popish ceremony in the ministration
of the sacrament of baptism.
None to be admitted to the communion being above
Edm. GrindaU archbishop] These are only a part [the chief and moet
remarkable] of the injunctions issued by archbishop Grindal at his visi- 15
tation which began on the 15th of May, 1571. It appears from them.
as we also know from other sources, that his province was more ad-
dicted to popery than to puritanism. That he was dissatisfied with the
state of his province is clear from a letter written by him to Bullinger
soon afterwards (Jan. 25. 1572), in which he gives a description of his so
new ofRce, and adds a strong wish '* Eboracenses suostam bene in vera
religione institutos invenisset, quam suos Londinensea et Esscxenses
successori suo reliquit." (Hess, Cat. vol. ii. p. 224.) His forbearance on
points of non-conformity is shewn by his silence respecting kneeling at
the eucharist, and the use of vestments in the church, or priestly Bp- 15
parel out of it ; as these were ordinances, against which the puritans
were most resolute, and to which he had himself assented, when he
joined with the other bishops in issuing the advertisements. (No. LXV.)
Strypc, Grind, p. 246.
157 V*] Edm, GhrindaUy archJnshcp of TcrPs ii^mdiom* 885
fourteen years old, that could not say bj heart the Ten
Commandments, and Lord's Prayer; nor none being
fourteen years old and upwards, that could not say by
heart the Catechism.
5 That they should many no person, nor ask the banns
of matrimony of any ; unless they could say the Catechism
by heart, or would recite the same to the mimrter.
That they should not church any unmarried woman,
which had been gotten with child out of lawful matri-
»omony; except it were upon some Sunday or holy-day;
and except either she, before childbed, had done penance,
or at her churching did acknowledge her fistult before the
congregation.
The communion to be received three times a year, be«
* 5 sides Ash Wednesday ; viz. on one of the two Sundays
before Easter, on one of the two Sundays before Pente-
cost, and on one of the two Sundays before. Christmas.
The articles of religion to be read twice eveiy year,
viz. on some Sunday within a month after Easter and
^ Michaelmas.
The queen's injunctions to be read in time of divine
service, in churches and chapels, once eveiy quarter ; and
the archbishop's injunctions once eveiy half year.
No minister (being unmarried) to keep in his house
25 any woman under the age of sixty years ; except she be
their mother, aunt, sister, or niece.
For the laity.
No person, not being a minister, deacon, or at the least
tolerated by the ordinary in writing, should attempt to
30 supply the office of a minister, in saying of divine service
openly in the church or chapel.
The prayers and other service Itppointed for the min«
istration of the holy communion to be said and done at
the communion table; except the epistle and gospel,
35 which should be read in the said pulpit (i. e. where read-
3S6 Edm, GrinddU^ archbishop of YorVs inju/nctiom. [LXXVI.
ing was before appointed) or stall; and also the Ten
Commandments, when there was no communion.
All altars to be pulled down to the ground, and the
altar stones defaced and bestowed to some common use :
and rood lofts altered. The materials to be sold to the 5
use of the church.
At burials, no ringing any handbells ; no months minds,
or yearly commemoration of the dead; nor any other
superstitious ceremonies to be observed or used, which
tended either to the maintenance of prayer for the dead % w
or of the popish purgatory.
The minister not to pause or stay between the morn-
ing prayer, litany, and communion ; but to continue and
say the morning prayer, litany, or communion, or the
service appointed to be said (when there was no commu- 15
nion) together, without any intermission : to the intent
the people might continue together in prayer, and hear-
ing the word of God ; and not depart out of the church,
during all the time of the whole divine service.
All above fourteen years of age to receive in their own «o
churches the communion three times at the least in the
year.
No pedlar or other to set his wares to sell in church-
porch or churchyard, nor any where else on holy-days or
Sundays, while any part of divine service was in doing, or n
while any sermon was in preaching.
No innkeeper, victualler, or tipler should admit in his
house or backside any to eat, drink, or play at cards,
tables, or bowls in time of common prayer, preaching, or
reading of homilies, on the Sundays and holy-days ; and y^
no shops to be set open on Sundays and holy-days in time
of common prayer, &c. and that in fairs and common
markets upon the Sundays, there be no shewing of any
A to the maintenance of prayer for the dead] See notes on K. Eldwwrd's
injunctions. No. II. ^
N^
157 1 •] Edm, GHndaU^ archbishop of YorVs injimeHons. 887
wares, before all the morning service and the sermon (if
there be any) be done.
No persons to wear beads, or pray either in Latin or
English upon beads or knots, or any other like supeiv
5 stitious thing ; nor to bum any candle in the church
superstitiously upon the feast of the Purification; nor
superstitiously to make upon themselves the sign of the
cross, when they first enter into any church to pray;
nor to say the " Do profundis*' for the dead ; nor rest at
lo any cross in carrying any corps to burying ; nor to leave
any little crosses of wood there.
Perambulation to be used by the people, for viewing
the bounds of their parishes, in the days of the Rogation,
commonly called Cross week, or Gang days. That the
'5 minister use none other ceremonies, than to say the two
Psalms beginning, '^ Benedic anima mea Dominum," that
is to say, the ciii. and civ. Psalms, and such sentences of
scripture, as be appointed by the queen's injunctions, with
the litany and suffrages following the same, and reading
2o one homily already decreed and set forth for that pur-
pose ; without wearing any surplice, carrying of banners
or handbells, or staying at crosses, or such like popish
ceremonies.
The ministers and churchwardens not to suffer any
25 lords of misrule ^, or summer lords or ladies, or any di»-
^ any lords of misrule] " These lords/' says Stow, " began their nilfe
at All- Hallow eve, and continued the same till the morrow after the
feast of the Purification ; in which space there were fine and snbde dis-
g^isings, masks and mummeries." Survey of London, p. 79. The prac*
30 tice forbidden in this article is stated at length by Stubs in his " Ana-
tomic of Abuses/' (A. D. 1595,) p. 107, in the following words : ''The
wilde heades of the parish, flocking together, chnse them a grannd
captaine of mischiefe, whom they innoble with the title of my Lord of
35 Misrule. ... in this sorte they go to the church, (though the minister be
at prayer or preaching,) dauncing and swinging their handkerchiefs oyeir
their heads like devils ineamate, with sudi a confosed none that no
man can heare his owne'voyce. Then the foolish people, they look^,
VOL. I. 2
888 MandcUwfn pro pubUeaiume [LXXVII.
guised persons or others, at Christmas, or at May games,
or any minstrels, morris-dancers, or others, at nish-beaiings
or at any other times, to come irreverently into any
church, or chapel, or churchyard in their dance, or play
any unseemly parts with scoffs, jests, wanton gestures, or s
ribald talk ; namely, in the time of divine service, or of
any sermon.
The parish clerks were required to be able to read the
first lesson, the epistle, and the psalms, with answers to
the suffrages, as was used. *
LXXVII.
Archiepiac Cant. Anno Chmd R^. Anglia
Matth. Parker 13 1572* Elizab. 14.
Mandatum pro ptiblicatione libri publicarum precum. — Ex
Reg. II. Parker, fol. 72. a.
TV^" ATTHiEUS, providentia divina Cant, archiepiscopus,
totius Angliae primas et metropolitanus, venerabili
they stare, they laugh, they fleerc, and mount upon formes and
pewes to see these goodly pageants solemnized in this sort. Tim
after this, ahoute the church they go againe and againe, and so Ibiuths 15
into the churche yard, where they have commonly their summer-haUi»
their howers, arhours and hanquetting houses. . . . and thus they
spend the sahhath day." The rush-hearing was the feast which grew
out of the practice of bringing rushes to spread within the drareh ; a
practice which is mentioned in K. James's letter conoeming sports and 10
recreations (No. CXLI.), and is scarcely yet discontiniied in some of ths
remoter parishes of the northern province. Stmtt, Sports and FMt
p. 300.
Mandatum pro pubUcatione] On the festival of St. Bartholomew (%^
of August) in the year 1572 occurred the general massacre of the t!
Hugonots in Paris, which was soon followed by a similar
other parts of France. These events, coupled with the s* ite of
parties at home, created great anxiety in England ; and a form of
157^0 libri publicarum precum. 389
confratri nostro domino Edwino, eadem pennissione di-
vina London, episcopo, salutem et fratemam in Domino
charitatem. Cmn nos librum quendam precum publi-
carum intitulatum, " A forme of common prayer to be
5 used, and so commanded by authority of the queen's
majesty, and necessary for the present time and state,"
MDLXxii. vicesimo septimo Octobris, de mandate illu-
strissima? dominae nostrae reginae componi, ac imprimi, et
publicari fecimus ; nos igitur librum praedictum, in et per
JO tot am provinciam Cant, debitae executioni demandari vo-
lentes, librum ipsum praesentibus annex, vobis transmit-
timus publicand. volentes, ac fraternitati vestrae firmiter
injungendo mandantes, quatenus vera exemplaria libri
praedicti universis et singulis venerabilibus confratribus
15 nostris dictae provinciae nostrae Cant, cum ea, qua fieri
poterit, matura celeritate transmittatis, seu transmitti
faciatis, eisque ex parte nostra injungatis, quibus nos
etiam tenore praesentium sic injungimus ; quatenus eorum
singuli in singulis dioecesibus eorundem, coram decano et
10 capitulo cujuslibet ecclesiae cathedralis, ac archidiaconis,
et clero suae dioec. prout ad eos, et eorum quemlibet per-
tinet, librum praedictum debite publicent, et ab omnibus,
quos conccrnit, observari, et debitae executioni deman-
dari procurent, sive sic publicari et observari faciant cum
25 eftectu. Et praeterea, fraternitati vestrae, ut supra, in-
was appointed, and commanded by the queen's authority, ** as necessary
for the present time and state." It contained '* 1. A prayer for re-
pentance and mercy. 2. A prayer to be delivered from our enemies,
taken out of tlie Psalms. 3. A thanksgiving, and prayer for the pre-
30 servation of the queen. 4. A prayer relating to the apprehension of
danger, and the troubles many now underwent for rehg^on." Strype,
Parker, vol. ii. p. 131. The two last of these prayers are quoted at
length by Strype. It may also be observed that the pope (Gregory
XIII.) had issued a bull for a jubilee to be holden on the 7th of
35 December in commemoration of other important events, bat principaUy
of the success obtained by the most Christian king in destroying the
heretics. Strype, Parker, vol. ii. p. 117. vol. iii. p. 197.
z 2
340 Injunctiones dom. Matthm^ arcMepise. Cantwxr, [LXXVIII.
jungimus, quatenus librum praedictum in et per dioec.
vest ram London, prout ad vos attinet, debite et eflfeo-
tualiter publicari, et execution! demandari faciatis, prout
decet. In cujus rei testimonium sigillum nostrum prae-
sentibus apponi feeimus. Dat. in manerio noetro des
Lambeth vicesimo nono die mensis Octobris, A. D.
MDLXXii, et nostras consecrationis anno deeimo tertio.
LXXVIII.
Archiepisc. Cunt. Anno Chriati Reg. Anglin
Matth. Parker 14. '573* Elizab. 15.
Tenor mjunctionum domini Matthm, archiepiscopi Can-
tuar. in metropolitana et ordinaria vi^tatione axthe-
dralis ecclesicB Christi Cantuar, die septimo Octob.
anno mdlxxiii. — Ex Strype's Life of Parker, app.
p. 168.
TN Dei nomine, amen. Nos Matthseus, providentia
di\nna Cant, archiepiscopus, totius Anglian primas et
metropolitanus, necnon ecclesise Christi Cantuarien. viw*. lo
tator, atque ordinarius rite et legitime constitutus, ad
honorem, commodum, et conservationem omnium jurium,
libertatum, et privilegiorum dictae ecclesiae, injuuetiones,
ordinationes, monitiones, et interpretationes sequent, hac
nostra ordinaria atque metropolitica visitatione, quam^s
vicesimo tertio die mensis Septembris, anno Domini
MDLXXIII, inchoavimus, et ulterius ex certis, justis^ et
rationabilibus causis animum nostrum specialiter mo-
ventibus, prorogand. esse duximus pendente, vobis de-
cano et capitulo ecclesiae Christi Cant, prsedict. necnon ^
Tenor injunciionum] The circumstances connected with this vi
tion are given at length by Strype, Parker, vol, ii. pp. 299-306.
^573*] Injunctianes dom. MaUhoBi, arekiepiic. Caniuar. 841
praedicatoribus, canonicis minoribus, vicariis, caeteiisque
ejusdem ecclesise officiariis, et ministris quibuscunque,
quatenus vos omnes et singulos concemunt, damus, mini-
stramus, et promulgamus, easque a vobis omnibus et
5 singulis, quatenus vos concemunt, finniter observari ac
perimpleri, sub poenis in eisdem sigillatim contentis, vir-
tute obedientise vestrae canonical, vobis de jure, et sta-
tutis vestris debit, mandamus atque prsecipimus.
I. Inprimis Volumus, mandamus, injungimus, atque
lo praecipimus, ut statuta et ordinationes ab ineljtissimo
rege Henrico octavo, hujus ecclesise Christi Cant, fiinda-
tore, edita, et singula in eis contenta, a vobis omnibus et
singulis, quatenus vos eoncemunt, fideliter et inviolabili-
ter conserventur ; si modo verbo Dei, aut legibus et
15 statu tis hujus regni Anglise non repugnent; quibus ita
repugnaiitibus, neminem vestrum teneri atque ligari pro-
• nuuciamus, et interpretamur. Et insuper, ad meliorem
dictorum statutorum verbo Dei, legibusque ac statutis
hujus regni consonorum observationem, prohibemus, ne
20 decanus pro tempore existens, nee aliquis canonicus, seu
quisquam aliquo beneficio, salario, vel stipendio in dicta
ecelesia gaudens, per se, vel interpositam personam, de-
inceps directe vel indirecte, gratias, literas, dispensa-
tiones, seu aliquid ad abrogationem, vel derogationem
35 dictorum statutorum^ quacunque auctoritate impetret»
obtineat aut procuret, vel impetrari, obtineri seu procu-
rari faciat, impetratum, obtentum, seu procuratum aoci-
piat, admittat, ratum vel gratum habeat, aut quocunquo
modo alleget; sed disposition!, ordination! et reforma-
30 tioni dictorum statutorum se submittat, iisque in omni-
bus, quae eimi tangunt, pareat et obtemperet, nisi forte
hujusmodi gratiae, literae, et dispensationes, ex mere re-
giae majestatis motu certaque scientia, non ad alici\|us
])ersuasionem atque solicitationem, libere atque sponte
.^5 concedantur. In quo casu is, in cujus gratiam et favo-
rem hujusmodi aliquid concedatur, juramentum coram
z3
342 Injunctiones dom, MaMhm^ archiepiic. Camtuar, [LXXVIII.
decano, seu vicedecano, ac capitulo, vel nobis, et soo-
cessoribus nostris tempore visitationis praestabit, quod ad
ejus procurationem, persuasionem, vel solicitationem ob-
tentum non sit, sub poena et sententia ^uspensionis ab
hujusmodi gratiarum, literarum, atque dispensationum 5
beneficio, quam in omnes et singulos deinceps contra
banc nostram injunctionem delinquentes, exnunc prout
extune, et extunc prout exnunc, ferimus et promulgamus
in hiis scriptis.
II. Item, Ne dictorum statutorum, aut injunctionum 10
nostrarum crassa et aflectata ignorantia cuiquam (quod
ferendum non est) deinceps cxcusationis praetextu adfe-
ratur, volumus, ut tarn dicta statuta, quam nostrae et
successorum nostrorum injunctiones, monitiones, statuto-
rum declarationes, in eisque ambiguitatum ac dubiorum 15
interpretationes, singulis annis bis, quolibet nempe capi-
tulo generali, coram omnibus canonicis, cseterisque hujus
ecclesiae ministris quibuscunque ad vos vocatis, in domo
capitulari publice per decanum aut vicedecanum plane
atque integre perlegantur. Et ut in singulis capitulis ac »
scrutiniis, non modo de statutorum praedictorum, sed
etiam do hujusmodi injunctionum, monitionum, declara-
tionum, et interpretationum observatione vel violatione
diligens inquisitio, reformatio, correctio, et emendatio
fiat. Ac ut cuivis hujus ecclesiae canonico tam statuta, *5
quam injunctiones hujusmodi describere, eorumque et
earum penes so copiam habere volenti, vera exhibeatur
a decano, vicedecano, vel thcsaurario, in loco capitulari,
vel alio ad ca describenda apto et opportune, copia.
III. Item, Volumus ut graviores dictae ecclesiae causae, y>
quae moram ac maturam deliberationem pati possunt et
requirunt, ut demissiones ad reditum vel firmam, aut
locationcs, vel concessiones terrarum, boscorum, seu ali-
quarum possessionum dictae ecclesiae, vel aliquarum par-
cellarum eonmdem, alienationes aliquorum bonorum in 35
praemissis casibus, litium inchoationes magnis ecclesiae
1573*1 Injunetianes dam. MaiOuoi^ arekupiso. ChMuar. 84fl
sumptibus prosequendarum, noY£e ac Bumptuosse fledifica-
tiones, officiariorum majorum seu euperiormn diet* eccle-
siae electiones et admissiones, ac caeteia cuncta ecclesias
negotia, in quibus magis vertitur ecclesiffi praejudicium,
5 non alio tempore, modo, aut forma, nisi in duobus gene*
ralibus capitulis per statuta praedicta limitatis, propo-
nantur, tractentur, et concludantur, sub poena amotionis
perpetuae hiis, qui contrarium attemptant.
IV. Item, Quoniam decanum et capitulum dietae
loecclesiae maxime convenit, ut bones et irugi patresia-
milias omnia bona mobilia et immobilia diets ecdesifle
ad utilitatem, commodum, et honorem ejusdem conser*-
vare, nee ab ecclesia ad privatos usus conyertere, aut
aliter dissipare; idcircovolumus, ne ulla maneria, recto-
is rise, terrae, vel possessiones dictae ecclesiae, antehac com-
muni vel capitulari decreto ad provisionem decani, cano^
nicorum, vel aulae communis^ aut scholarium mensae
assignatae vel inposterum assignandae in prsejudiciuin
hujusmodi provisionis, ullo praeteztu, neque bosci ac
20 sylvae dictae ecclesiae non dimitti solit. ullo mode dimit-
tantur aut locentur, sen sic dimittatur eorum aliquod,
sed ad hospitalit^tem decani et canonicorum suorumque
successorum, et mensas minorum canonicorum atque
scholarium reficiendas, et usus ecclesiae necessarioSi fide-
25 liter custodiantur et conserventur : nee decanuSi aut
canonicorum aliquis hujusmodi damnosis, nee solitis^ sed
detestandis dimissionibus auctoritatem vel consensum
praebeat, sub ])Gena et sententia suspensionis ab eorum
respective officiis, suifragiis, et emolumentis, donee no»-
30 tro, aut successorum nostrorum judicio, pro damnis ea
occasione ecclesiae illatis, commode satisfecerint, quam in
eos, et eorum quemlibet in hac parte delinquentes et
culpabiles, extunc prout exBunc, et exnunc prout eztunc,
ferimus et promulgamus in hiis scriptis.
35 V. Item, Quoniam magnae semper contentiones et
controversiae inter decanum atque pnebendarios, dum
z 4
344 Injunctiones dam. Mc^hm^ archupise. Cant. [LXXVIII.
suum privatum commodum aifectantes, maneria, recto-
riaSy terras, et tenementa quamplurima dictae ecclesiae
inter se ad firmam dimitterent, atque locarent, necnon
fines, quos in cista communi reponi aequius fuit, inter se
partirentur ac dividerentur, excitatse sunt ; sub pcena et 5
sententia suspensionis antedictiet prohibemus hujusmodi
captatorias dimissiones, et finium dividentias deinceps in
quovis fieri ; donee nostri aut successorum nostrorum
judicio ecclesia praedicta niagis pinguescat, et quiescat in
eadein contentio. lo
VI. Item, Quoniam privatum singulorum commodum
ita communes ecclesiae facultates exliausit, ut in quo jam
statu ejus res sitae sint, fere sit incognitum ; volumus, ut
singulis anni quartis, decanus, vel^eo absente, vicedecanus,
canonicis ad hoc legitime vocatis ac praesentibus, vel alias 15
contumaciter absentibus, in loco ubi computus fieri con-
suevit, a receptore atque tliesaurario rationem exigat sin-
gulorum receptorum et expensarum, indeque instrumen-
tum in membrana describi ab auditore faciat ; pecuniam-
que receptam, ac residuam, nee ad praesentem ecclesiae «o
usum necessariam, receptis rationibus in cistA communi
recondi faciat, ibique ad magnos, utiles, et extraordinarios
ecclesiae usus custodiri.
VII. Item Volumus, ut omnia capitularia decreta a fine
mensis Maii ult. praeteriti per decanum et capitulum, pro «5
divisionibus finium, et eoncessionibus ac dimissionibus
ad firmam interposita, tanquam statutorum praedictorum
menti ac intentioni et ecclesiae commoditati contraria,
eassentur, irritcntur, et annuUentur ; eaque nulla pronun-
ciamus, ac pro cassis, irritis, invalidis, atque nullis pro-3©
nuncianuis at([ue declaramus, et a quoquam perimpleri aut
observari, vol executioni demandari, sub poena et senten-
tia suspensionis antefatae districte prohibemus.
VIII. Item, Ut cultus diviuus decentius atque diligen-
tius in dicta ecclesia deinceps celebretur, volumus, ut3S
(pioties minorum canoniconim, vicariorum choralium, et
^573*] Injunctumes dom. MaUhmy arehiepige. CanHmr, 845
cantorum aliquis a matutinis aut vespertinis precibus, a
lectionibus aut coramunionibus abfiierit, aut tardus, post
mediam nempe earam partem peractam, ingrediatur, pro
singulis in hujusmodi negligentia vicibus, denario com-
5 muni mensae applicando mulctetur ; qui ad subcantoris
re]ationem, de delinquentium stipendiis, ad usum praedic-
tum a thesaurario detrahetur, et reservabitur. Absen-
tiam autem pauperiorum, aliorumque ministrorum dictas
ecclesiae, eorumque tarditatem in divinis officiis, lectio-
'o nibus, atque communionibus, decanus, aut eo absente,
vicedecanus poena arbitraria, juxta modum et qualitatem
absentiae, ac tarditatis, castigabit.
IX. Item Volumus et mandamus, ut majores canonici
singuli suis vicibus in majoribus diebus festis, quos du-
15 plices appellant, in propriis personis divina celebrant, juxta
statutorum praedictorum in ea parte exigentiam.
X. Item, Quia de jure eligendi et admittendi canonicos
minores, vicarios, cantores, scholares et choristas inter de-
canum et eapitulum adhue ambigitur, yolumus, ad so-
20 ])iendam ea de re discordiam, ut pendente nostra visita-
tionc hujusmodi electiones et admissiones cessent, donee
ea ambiguitas regia auctoritate, yel nostra interpretatione
toUatur et declaretur.
XI. Item, Ut scholaribus tarn in diaeta, quam in litera-
ls rum incremento deinceps melius prospiciatur, yolamnSy
ut omnes deinceps admittendi scholares, aliquem ex prae-
bendariis tutorem sen curatorem habeant, qui pro eis ec-
clesiae caveat et provideat in necessariis ; et ut singulis
anni quartis per decanum, vel eo absente, vicedecanum
30 assignentur ex praebendariis duo, qui onmes scholares si*
gillatim examinent, et quomodo in bonis Uteris mori-
busque profecerint, explorent, et cultum habitumque cor-
poris aspiciant, et de hiis, quae in eorum aliquibus, vel
eorum aliquo refomianda cognoverint, tutores sen cura-
35 tores suos admoneant. Et si scholares a tutoribus sen
curatoribus suis saepius moniti non se correxerint, defera-
346 Injtmctianes dom, Matthm^ arehiepise. Cani. [LXXVIII.
tur inde ad decanum et capitulum querela, a quibus, qui
incorrigibiles fueriut, expellantur.
XII. Item Volumus, ut singulis anni quartis, eodem
tempore, quo de scholaribus inquisitio fit, ab eisdem prae-
bendariis, qui de scholaribus iuquirant, de senescallo, op- 5
sonatore, pineemis, cocis communis aulse, acriter et dili-
genter cognoscatur, et inquiratur, eorumque- computus, ac
rationes fideliter examinentur. Et si de frauds semel
convicti fuerint, vel de mala officiorum munerumYe
suorum administratione bis a praedictis inquisitoribus ad- lo
moniti non se correxerint, pro tertio delicto sint ipso
facto amoti et exclusi.
XIII. Item Vetamus atque prohibemus, ne senescalli,
opsonatores, pincemse et coci, c^terique in hac ecclesia
inferiores ministri officia sua per substitutes ezerceant»ij
sed ipsi in eis diligentes, seduli, et assidui sint, sub poena
amissionis unius anni salarii, deinde, nisi moniti se cor-
rexerint, amotionis ])erpetuae; nisi ex gravi et urgente
causa ejusmodi substitutio et substituta persona a decano
et capitulo approbata fuerit. 20
XIV. Item Volumus et mandamus, ut omnes introitus
atque cxitus in ambitum et praecinctum ecclesiae, et ex
cisdeni solum modo per communes et antiquas duas portas
pateant, nee ulli per aliam viam exire vel introire lieeat ;
et ut privatae aliarum medium fores atque januae, fenestree, '5
viaque et pcrspectus per communes parietes in ambitum
et praecinctum ecclesiae intromissi, ante festum Omnium
Sanctonim prox. occludantur et obstruantur; nee dein-
eeps hujusmodi jaimas fores, et fenestras fieri pennit-
tantur: volumusciue de executione hujus nostri man-jo
dati per litems certificatorias decani et capituli aucten-
ticas in mansione nostra Lamethana fieri octavo die post
praedictum festum Omnium Sanctorum, sub poena et sen-
tentia suspensionis antedicta?.
XV. Item, Ut non modo ecclesia, sed singula ejus 55
membra in eleemosynis dandis larga, et in pauperes be-
^573*] Injtmctumes dom. Matthm^ arehiepiie. Cfaniuar. 347
nefica sint, volumus et monemus, ut decano, canonicis,
l)raedicatoribus, vicariis, cantoribusque convocatis, consi-
lium de conferenda et distribuenda eleemosyna ante fes-
turn Omnium Sanctorum prsiedict. hoc modo ineatur, ut
5 decanus iii/. vi.9. viiirf. singuli prsebendar. x\s. praedica-
tores singuli vi^. Yiud. vicarii singuli iiis. iyd. cantores sin-
guli x\id. cum decem libris ex communi serario eccledae,
inter pauperes in civitate et suburbiis Cantuar. singulis
anni quartis per aequales portiones distribuend. conferant*
lo De qua collatione atque distributione incept, per aucten-
ticas literas dicti decani et capituli pridie calend. Febr.
prox. certiores fieri volumus sub poena nobis arbitraria.
XVI. Item Volumus et mandamus, ut deinceps quot-
annis vir aliquis in theologia doctus, qui a decano et ca-
15 pitulo ad hoc aptus reputabitur, sacras scripturas suggestu
in loco capitulari, singulis diebus Merciuii et Veneris
inter horas septimam et octavam matutinas, publico in-
terpretetur et legat. Cui quidem interpretation! atque
lectioni decanum, canonicos, praedicatores, vicarios, can-
3o tores, singulosque ejusdem ecclesiae ministros, prseter
scholares, eorumque institutores, atque choristas cum hiis,
qui illorum sunt, familiis, interesse diligenter volumud, nee
cuiquam abesse permittimus, nisi legitima causa per de-
canum et capitulum approbanda impediatur. Lectori
25 autem et interpreti stipendium viginti librarum annua-
rum a decano et capitulo assignari ex prsedictse ecclesiae
facultatibus praecipimus. Quem suae lectioni diligenter
intendere jubemus ; nee eum nisi in mensibus Augusti et
Septembris, et in septimanis festorum Nativitatis et Cir-
30 cumcisionis Domini, Paschse, ac Pentecostes, temporeque
({uadragesimali intermittere, sub poena subtractionis ali-
cujus portionis stipendii, arbitrio decani pro modo negli-
gentiae dicti lectoris committenda.
Has autem injunctiones, quia de statu multarum rerum
35 in hac ecclesia male administratarum reformando aliquan-
diu deliberandum esse putamus, vobis omnibus et singulis
348 Affair^ despiters of the crders [LXXIX.
interim, dum visitatio nostra pendeat, obseirandas com-
mittimus ; omni debita, et a jure nobis competent! crimi-
num, exccssuum, uegligentiarumy incurianun, ae delie-
torum anteactorum quonmicunque censura, correctione,
emcndatione, et reformatione, itemque alianim injunctio- 5
num potestate nobis aut successoribus nostris, ante finem
exitmnque hujus nostrae institutse visitationis, hujusmodi
et specialiter reservatis. In quorum omnium et singu-
lorum roborationem, iidem, et testimonium sigillum nos-
trum praesentibus a])poni fecimus. Dat. septimo dieio
mensis Octobris, anno Domini mdlxxiii. ; et nostras
consecrationis anno xiv.
Lectae et publicatae coram reverendissimo, etc. in domo
capitulari, praesentibus dom. decano, magistris Wil-
lowbye, Bullen, Lawse, Ncwinson, pnebendariis, et 15
Bisely ct Ingulden, praedieatoribus, cum reliqua
turba minorum eanonicorum, cantorumy atque minis-
trorum, etc.
LXXIX.
Ari'hiepisr. Cant. Anno Christi R<^. Aii^^Ue
Matth. Parker 14. 1573. Elizab. 15.
A proclamation against the despisers or breakers of the
orders prescribed in the book of common prayer.
By the queen.
T^HE (luecn's majesty being right sorry to understand
"^ tliat the order of common prayer, set forth by the m
A proclamation] The controversy that grew out of the publication of
the " Admonition to the Parliament" was now (1573) at its greatest
height, and liad brought out and given permanent existence to all the
vital ([ucstions which had hitherto been latent in the disputes between
the church and the non-conformists. Whitgift had published his an-* i^
swer to the Admonition, and Cartwright had replied to Whitgift in such
a manner, that in June 1573 the queen issued a proclamation con-
demning the Admonition and the Defence of it, and commanding that all
^573-] prescribed in the boot of common prater. S49
common consent of the realm and by authority of parlia-
ment in the first year of her reign, wherein is nothing
contained but the scripture of God, and that which is
consonant unto it, is now of late of some men despised,
5 and spoken against, both by open preachings, and writ-
ings, and of some bold and vain curious men, new and
other rites found out and frequented ; whereupon conten-
tions, sects, and disquietness doth arise among her people,
and for one godly and uniform order, diversity of rites
loand ceremonies, disputations and contentions, schisms
and divisions already risen, and more like to ensue : the
copies of them should be brought in for the purpose of being destroyed.
Bishop Pilkington writing to Gualter and BuUinger on the aoth of
July, says, *' Controversia vestiaria se ipsam jam totam ita ezplicoit, at
15 non de vestibus nunc solum, sed de tota politia eodesiastica agatur.
Scandalum ex hac controversia maximum. Hujus culpam omnem in
episcopos transferre iniquum est." (Hess, Cat. vol. ii. p. 237.) Of the
odiiim which the bishops had contracted, not merely with the non-oon-
formists, but also with the court, this proclamation of October, and the
JO following letter from the council, are sufficient evidence. But they had
to contend with still greater difficulties : for though urged to proceed
to extremities with the non-conformists, and accused in public docu-
ments of negligence in ^e discharge of their spiritual duties, they
found that the non-conformists were favoured and jMnotected by tome of
25 the most powerful among the queen's ministers. The archbishop
writing to Burghley in the preceding July, says, " How secure soever
the nobility were of these puritans, and count^iianced them against the
bishops, they themselves might rue it at last. And that aU that these
men tended towards, was to the overthrow of all of honourable quality,
30 and the setting afoot a commonwealth, or as he called it» a popolarity/'
(Strype, Parker, vol. ii. p. 323.) The immediate occasion of the ar-
gent measures adopted by the crown and the council in October and
November 1573, was the attempt made in the public street to murder
Mr. Hawkins, mistaken for Mr. Hatton, who was one . of the queen'dS
35 privy council, and afterwards lord chancellor. It was made on the 1 4th. of
October by one Birchett of the Middle Temple* who was moved* as he
said, by the Spirit of God to kill Mr. Hatton, because he was an enemiy
of God's word, and a maintainer of papistry. Strype* Purker* vol. ii.'
p. 327. Ann. vol. ii. P. i. p. 426. Neal's Porit. vol«i. p. 9oa. Wood's
o Ann. vol. ii. p. 173. Hallam, Const HisttToLL p. 900. » .\ .-
350 Against detpisen of the arderw [LXXIX.
cause of which disorders, her majesty doth plainly under-
stand to be the negligence of the bishops and other hulf
gistrates, who should cause the good laws and acts of
parliament made in this behalf to be better executed, and
not so dissembled and winked at, as hitherto (it may ap- f
pear) that they have been :
For speedy remedy whereof her majesty straitly
chargeth and commandeth all archbishops and bishopSi
and all justices of assizes, and '^ Oyer and Terminer," and
all mayors, head officers of cities and towns corporate, »
and all other who have any authority, to put in execu-
tion the act for the uniformity of common prayer, and
the administration of the sacraments, made in the first
year of her gracious reign, wuth all diligence and severity,
neither favouring nor dissembling with one person ncMns
other, who doth neglect, despise, or seek to alter the
godly orders and rites set forth in the said book : but if
any person shall by public preaching, writing, or printing
contemn, despise, or dispraise the orders contained in the
said book, they shall immediately apprehend him, andw
cause him to be imprisoned, until he hath answered to
the law, upon pain that the chief officers, being present
at any such preaching, and the whole parish do answer
for their contempt and negligence. Likewise, if any
shall forbear to come to the common prayer, and receive n
the sacraments of the church, according to the order in
the said book allowed, upon no just and lawful cause ; all
such persons they shall inquire of, present, and see
punished, and ordered according as is prescribed in the
said act, with more care and diligence than heretofore i»
hath been done : the which negligence hath been cause
why such disorders have of late now so much and in so
many places increased and grown.
And if any persons shall either in private houses, or in
public places make assemblies, and therein use other rites u
of common prayer and administration of the sacraments,
1573'] preserihed in the boot of eom mam prayer. S61
than is prescribed in the said book, or shall maintain in
their houses any persons being notoriously charged by
books or preachings to attempt the alteration of the said
orders, they shall see such persons punished with all
5 severity, according to the laws of this realm, by pains
appointed in the said act.
And because these matters do principally appertain
to the persons ecclesiastical, and to the ecclesiastical
government, her majesty giveth a most special and
lo earnest charge to all archbishops, bishops, archdeacons,
and deans, and all such as have ordinary jurisdiction, in
such cases to have a vigilant eye and care to the observa^
tion of the orders and rites in the said book prescribed,
throughout their cures and diocese, and to proceed from
15 time to time by ordinary and ecclesiastical jurisdiction,
as is granted them in the said act, with all celerity and
severity against all persons, who shall offend against any
of the orders in the said book prescribed, upon pain of
her majesty's high displieasure for their negligence, and
10 deprivation from their dignities and benefices, or other
censures to follow, according to their demerits. Given
at Greenwich the 20th day of October, MDLXxm. in the
fifteenth year of the queen's majesty's reign.
GqA sm>e the queen.
352 About uniformity and parochial visitation. [LXXX.
LXXX.
Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Christi Reg. Angli»
Matth. Parker 14. 1573. Elizab. 15.
A letter* from the council about uniformity and a paro-
chial visitation. — Ex MS. Coll. Coq). Ch. Cantabr.
Miscell. Y.
A FTER our hearty commendations to your lordship.
^^ By her majesty's proclamation dated the 20th of
October last, it may appear, how careful her highness is,
that the orders set forth in the book of common prayer,
allowed by parliament in the first year of her majesty's 5
reign, should be severely and uniformly kept throughout
all this realm. And that the fault why such diversities
have been of late taken up in many churches, and there-
upon contentions and uncomely disputations and dis-
sensions risen (in her highness' opinion) is most in you, lo
to whom the special care of ecclesiastical matters doth
appertain ; and who have your visitations episcopal and
archidiaconal, and your synods and other such meetings
of the clergy first and chiefly ordained for that puipose,
to keep all churches in your diocese in one uniform and 'S
godly order, which now, as is commonly said, (the more
is the pity,) be only used of you and your officers to get
money, or for some other purposes. We at her majesty's
commandment straitly made unto us, are therefore to
require you to take a more vigilant eye to this uniform- *o
ity, and to the keeping of the orders allowed by the
said parliament, and by her majesty's injunctions through-
out your diocese; and either by yourself, which were
most fit, or by your archdeacons, or other able and wise
men personally to visit, and see, that in no one church «5
of your diocese there be any difformity or difference used
^573-1 ^^x^ um/arfmty andparodkial vmiaiUm. 888
for those prescribed orders. But if any shall refuse them,
or accept any other diverse or repugnant to them, to call
those persons before you, and by censures of the church
and the ecclesiastical law to see them punished. So that
5 what is required may be done in the churches of your
diocese without extraordinary and temporal (as it is
termed) jurisdiction and judgraeAt, as it may we think
verily, if diligent care and heed were taken by you their
pastor and bishop. For nothing is required, but that
lo godly and seemly orders allowed by the queen's majesty
and the whole realm be kept. The which except ye did
wink at and dissemble, there needed not these new pro-
clamations and strait callings upon. Wherefore if now
ye would take for your part care and heed, and so the
15 rest of your fellow bishops, the quiet of the realm might
soon be purchased in our mind touching any such mat-
ters ; which should be great pleasure to her mijesty, and
comfort to us. The neglecting thereof how grievouB it
will be to her highness, and what danger may be to you,
^oher highness hath expressed in the said proclamation.
Thus praying you to consider these things, and with all
speed to put order in them, and from time to time to
certify us what you have done, and what by your orders
is done herein to the fulfilling of her nugesty's desire, we
35 bid you most heartily fareweU. From Grenewieh the
seventh of November, MDLXXm.
Your Umngfriends^
W. Burghley. E. Lyncoln. T. Sussex.
B. Leycester.
30 F. Knollys. T. Smith.
VOL. I. A a
354 Direction of eedetiattieal exareite, [LXXXI.
LXXXI.
Archiepisc. Cant Anno Chriiti K^* AngUs
Matth. Parker 15. i574« Ez.I2AB. 16.
The direction of the ecclesiastical exercise in the diocese
of Chester. — Strype's Annals, vol. ii. App* p. 73.
T^HE moderators of every several exercise shall select
such parts of scripture to be handled amongst the
ministers, that are to attend the same, as they in their
The direction of the'] " Exercises among the ministerB and cimtes
of churches (called prophecyings from the Apostle's word i Cor. ziy.) 5
were now used in most dioceses. The main end whereof was for the
inciting those that were in orders to apply themselves to the study and
understanding of the holy scripture; and to enable them to make
profitable sermons, and to preach in their several cures and parochial
charges. In order to these exercises, the clergy were sorted into 10
divers competent companies or societies, by subscription of their
names ; and particular churches and days appointed, and the pervont
named to exercise and perform in their order : and the rest, after the
exercise was over, were to judge of what had been spoken ; and a
moderator to be present, to determine and conclude all.'* Strype, >5
Ann. vol. ii. P. i. p. 472. Comp. Grindal, p. 260.
The exercises in the diocese of Chester were approved by bishop
Chaderton, and in the year 1575 a paper was issued by him, on the
recommendation of the privy council, enlarging the ecclesiastical exer-
cise, and bring^g it into more frequent use, and in a great nomber of m
places. This paper may be seen in Strype, Ann. voL ii. P. a. p. 546*
Comp. vol. iii. P. i. p. 477.
The regulations adopted in Hertfordshire and approved by Inaliop
Cooper in 1574 may be seen in Str3rpe, Ann. vol. ii. P. i. p. 473. TTie
regulations adopted at Northampton with the consent of bishop Scam- s5
bier in 1571 may be seen in Ann. vol. ii. P. i. p. 133. A letter from
bishop Parkhurst in 1572 approving of the exercises adopted at Bury
St. ELdmonds may be seen in Ann. vol. ii. P. 2. p. 494. The practice had
been adopted in the first instance in Scotland^ and rules had been pro-
vided for it by the Convention of 1560. Spotswood, Hist. p. 170. 50
'574-1 Direction of ecdesieutiaxl exercise. 985
discretion shall think meet ; so that they take in eveiy
several place of the exercise divers parts of scripture.
The writers shall be appointed to gather several ob-
servations upon every verse of that part of scripture
5 which shall be assigned unto them. And so proceed
with the whole verse by verse.
The speakers shall be appointed eveiy of them in
order to treat upon so many verses of the same, as by
an equal distribution of the whole text amongst them all
lo shall be assigned to eveiy one.
The manner of proceeding in the ea^ercise.
First, Prayer shall be aptly conceived for the present
occasion; for the blessed estate of her migesty, of the
church and commonwealth^ by one of the moderators,
15 who in order shall every of them accomplish the same at
every several exercise.
Then the first moderator shall propose and read the
first verse of the text, which is to be handled.
Upon which verse the writer shall in order read the
ao observations, which they have gathered.
After whom the speaker, a»sdgned to that part of the
text, shall in some larger manner discourse upon the
same.
After him the rest of the speakers shall have liberty
n to give any brief notes upon that verse.
In all which actions of the writers and speakers the
moderator's (office) that proposed the verse, shall be to
make special observation of any errors, n^Bfligeiice, or
ignorance in any of them, and the same to oorriBct and
30 reform with as brief speech as may be.
After which, he shall further add such observations as
he shall gather upon the said verse. And after him the
rest of the moderators and preachers in due order shall
do the like, till as much be said upon that verse^ as shall
35 be thought convenient.
AaS
S56 Direction of ecclmasHcal exercise. [LXXXI.
All which time both the speakers and writers shaU
take notes in writing of those observations, which shall
be given by any of the speakers, preachers, or mode-
rfitors. And so in due order shall all the moderators
proceed with the whole text verse by verse. 5
Tlien shall the moderators call before them those,
whom by any information they are to admonish of any
misdemeanour or enormities of life. And if after such
admonition they shall again fall into the like oflfence,
then the moderators shall certify the bishop thereof, and io
crave suspension of them.
After the moderators shall proceed against the absents
in this sort : viz. They shall at the next exercise, after
such absence, call before them the said parties ; who, if
they cannot be able to prove a sufficient cause of their '5
absence, and the same well approved by the moderators,
then the moderators shall exact the mulct imposed by
the order set down by the right reverend the lord bishop^
without abating any part thereof in any respect; lest
any thereby learn to presume of favour in such case to m
be shewed. Which mulct if any shall refuse to satisfy,
and not duly conform themselves in that behalf, or not
come in place to give account of their actions, then the
moderators shall without delay proceed to suspension,
according to the said orders. Which suspension they 25
shall forthwith certify unto the said bishop, according to
the said orders ; and further, with all instance prosecute
the said suspension with fiill effect.
In fine, the whole action is to be concluded with
prayer, as it was begun. 39
1575*] Special camrnission to bum heretid: 357
LXXXII.
Sede Cant. Anno Christi Reg. AngUa
vacante. i575- Elizab. 17.
Q. ElizabeWs special commission to sir Nicholas Bacon to
burn hereticks. Ex Rot. Pat. 17 Eliz. p. 5. m. 9- apud
Rymer Foed. vol. xv. p. 740.
T^LIZABETH, by the grace of God quene of England,
Fraunce, and Ireland, defender of the fayth, etc. to
our right trustie and right well beloved counsaillomv 8ur
Nicholas Bacon knight, lord keaper of our greate seale of
5 England, greetinge. Where the reverend father in God,
Edwyn busshoppe of London, Edmunde busshoppe of
Rochester, and our right trustie and well beloved dr
William Cordell knight, maister of the rolles, Roger
Manwood and Robert Mounson, two of the justices of
lo our Common Pleas, with others our commissioners suffi-
cientlye authorized by our commission under our greate
seale of England, have travayled upon the examynation,
heringe and determynation of John Peeters and Henrie
Turwert beinge Flemyngs borne, and nowe lyvinge in
15 this our realme, concemyng theire false opynyons and
sects of Anabaptists, holden and averred by them, where-
Q. Elizabeth's special] The writ of execation which follows upon thii
warrant bears date July 15, 1575 ; and we find from Stow and HoUa.
shead that on the 22nd of the same month ''two Dutchmen Anabi^
20 tists were brent m Smithfield, who died in great horror, with roarmg
and crying." " The privy council would not spare them« notwithstand-
ing the earnest intercession of the Dutch congregation, for divers
weighty reasons laid before them. But the chief causes of their execu-
tions were, because they would not own them for Christian magistrates,,
75 and had been banished a year before/' Strype, Ann. vol. ii. P. i.
p. 564. It appears that nine other Hollanders who were apprehended
at the same time, and refused to abjure, were also condemned by the
same commission to be burnt, but were eventually banished. Strype»
Ann. vol. ii. P. 2. p. 564. Collier, Hist. vol. ii. p. 549. Neal's Purit.
30 vol. i. p. 223. Lingard, vol. v. p. 386.
Aa8
358 Special cammismon to hum hereUes. [LXXXII.
in they have, before the said reverend fathers and others
our said commissioners, mayntajned their said most peril-
lous and dangerous opynyons, for the which they are by
definitive sentence declayred by the said reverend fiather
the busshoppe of London, with the consent of others our 5
said commissioners, justilie adjudged and declayred to be
heretiques, and therefore as corrupt members to be cut of
from the rest of the flocke of Christ, lest they should
infect others professinge the true Christiana fiaythe, and
are by them lefte under the sentence of the greate ex- «•
communication to be by our secular power and authoritie
as heretiques punished, as by the " Significavit" of the
said reverend father in God the busshoppe of London,
with the assent of others of our said commissioners, re-
mayninge in our courte of Chauncerye, more at lardge '5
appeareth. And although the said Anabaptists have
synce the said sentence pronounced against them bynne
often and very charitable traveled with, as well by the
mynisters of the Duche churche in the citye of London,
as by other godlie and learned men, to diswade, revoke, »
and remove them from their Anabaptisticall and heretical]
opynyons ; yet they arrogantlie and willfullie persist and
continewe in the same. We therfore, accordinge to our
regall function and office, myndynge the execution of
justice in this behalfe, and to give example to others, lest •*
they should attempte the like hereafter, have determined,
by the assent of our counsayll, to will and requyre you
the said lord keaper, immediatelie upon the receipte
hereof to awarde and make out our wrytt of execution
accordinge to the tenor in these presents ensuynge ; and 3»
these our letters signed withe our hande shall be your
sufficient warrant for the same.
Per ipsam reginam.
Et warrantum remittitur praedicto domino custodi, ut
patet inferius. 55
^575'] Brew regium de kan^ieis comhwrm^du. S09
Breve regium de exectUione judicii versus Johannem Pee^
ters et Henricum Turwert hareHcos comburendos.
Tp LIZABETHA, Dei gratia» etc. vicecomitibus London.
-*-^ salutera. Cum reverendi in Christo patres, Edwinus^
providentia divina Londoniensis episcopus, Edmundu8»
eadem gratia Roffensis episcopus, ao praedilecti et fideles
5 nostri Willielmus Cordell, miles, rotulorum sive scrinio-
rum nostrorum magister, Bogerus Manwood, Robertas
Mounson, justitiarii nostri in Communi Banco, Alexander
Nowell, S. Pauli London. Gabriell Goodman, Westm.
ecclesiarum respective decani, et alii tanquam cognitores,
lo inquisitores, judices, et commissarii, inter alios per literas
nostras patentes sub magno sigillo nostro Anglie gerentes
datum 11. die mensis Maii ultimo prseterito, suflScienter
et legitime deputati, nobis significaverint^ quod ipsi contra
et adversus quosdam Johannem Peeters et Henricum Tor-
15 wert Flandricos oriundos, in hoc regno nostro Angliae
degentes, de et super nefando crimine haereseos ac detes-
tanda Anabaptistarum secta, apud bonos et graves enor-
mitatibus difl&matos, auctoritate praedicta procedentes,
praedicti Johannes Peeters et Henricus Turwert coram
10 praefatis reverendis patribus, ac aliis conmiissionariis no6-
tris personaliter comparentes, praedictum nefimdum cri-
men hsereseos, ac detestandam Anabaptistarum sectam,
ac alios errores contumaciter et ex quadam pertinadu
omnino sustinuerunt et defendebant, ac eorum alter sus-
15 tinuit et defendebat, per sententiam diflinitivam ejusdem
reverendi patris London, episcopi, cum consensu caetero-
rum commissionariorum nostrorum praedictorum, juste,
legitime, et canonice contra eosdem Johannem et Henri-
cum in ea parte latam, haeretici adjudicati et pronunciati
30 existant, et ideo tanquam oves morbidas a grege Domini,
ne subditos nostros suis contagionibus inficiant, ejici^idos
et eliminandos fore decreverint. Cum igitur sancta mater
Aa 4
360 Brece regium de JueretioU eofkkwmdii, [LXXXII.
ecclesia non habet, quod ulterius in hac parte fieu^re et
exeqiii debeat, iidem reverendi patres ac alii supradicti
commissionarii eosdem Johannem et Henricum damnatos
haereticos, brachio nostro scculari reliquerint et condigna
animadversione plectendos, prout per literas patentee prae- s
&ti reverendi patris episcopi London, cum congenBu caete-
rorum in hac parte coUegarum superinde oonfectas, nobis
in cancellariam nostram certificatum est. Nos igitur, ut
zelator justitiae, et fidei catholicas defensor, volentesqne
ecclesiam sanctam, ac jura et libertates ejusdem, et fidem lo
catholicam manutenere et defendere, ac hujusmodi haere-
ses et errores ubique (quantum in nobis est) eradicare et
extirpare, ac haereticos sic convictos animadversione con-
digna puniri; attendentesque hujusmodi haereticos in forma
praedicta convictos et damnatos, juxta leges et consaetu- >5
dines regiii nostri Angliae in hac parte consnetas, ignis
incendio comburi debere ; vobis praecipimus quod dictos
Johannem Peeters et Henricum Turwert in custodia Testra
existentes, apud West Smithfeld in loco publico et aperto,
ex causa prsemissa, coram populo igni committi, ac ipsos m
Johannem Peeters et Henricum Turwert in eodem igne
realiter comburi faciatis, in hujusmodi criminis detestatio-
nem, aliorumque hominum exemplum, ne in simile crimen
labautur ; et hoc sub periculo incumbenti nullatenns
omittatis. Teste regina apud Gorambury 15. die Julii. n
Per ipsam reginam.
Et warrantum inde remittitur praedicto domino custodi
magni sigilli Augliae i>er ejus mandatum.
'575-1 Form of recoMOation for certain Afutiapiidt. 861
The farm of recantation prescribed to certain Anabaptists.
HeyKn's Hist. Presbyt. p. 242.
^11/^HEREAS I N. N. being seduced by the spirit of
error, and by false teachers his ministers, have
&Ilen into many damnable and detestable hetesies ; Tid^
licet, First, That Christ took not flesh of the substance of
5 the blessed Virgin Mary. Second, That infants bom of
faithful parents ought to be rebaptized. Thirds That no
Christian man ought to be a magistrate, or bear the
sword or office of authority. Fourth, And that it is not
lawful for a Christian man to take an oath. Now by the
I o grace of God, and through conference with good and
learned ministers of Christ his church, I do understand
and acknowledge the same to be most damnable and
detestable heresies, and do ask Grod here before his
church mercy for my said former errors, and do forsake
15 them, recant, and renounce them, and algure them from
the very bottom of my heart ; and further I confess, that
the whole doctrine and religion established in this reaha
of England, as also that which is received and practised
in the Dutch church here in this city, is sounds true, and
2o according to the word of God, whereunto in all things I
submit myself, and will most gladly be a member of the
said Dutch church, from henceforth utterly abandoning
and forsaking all and every anabaptistical error.
368 Ar<Mi$hcp GrmM't vitUatim artidet. [LXXXIII.
LXXXIII.
Archiepisc Cant. Anno Chriiti Reg. Anglis
Edm. Obindall I. 15 7<^- Elizab. 18.
Articles to be enquired of in the metropoliticaU visitations
of the most reverend father in God Edmonds bjf divine
sufferaunce archbisJwpe of Cant, primate of all England,
and metropolitane in all and singular cathedral and col-
legiate churches tvithin his province of Canterbury* —
Reg. Grindall, fol. 97. a.
I. TpYRSTE, Whether your bishop, and his chancellor,
commissaries, and all his officers do minister jus-
tice indifferently and incorruptly to all her majesties
subjects, and punish vice and public crimes "with due
punishment, without any corrupt commutations, neither 5
respecting gifts nor persons; and whether any money,
gifte, rewarde, or any other temporal commoditie (other
then accustomed lawfuU fees) hath been received for
justices, or any judgmentes, or execution of lawes, or for
any guifte, advowson, presentation, collation, institution, >^
or induction, or for the procuring of any such to any
spirituall or ecclesiasticall livynge; what hath been
received, by whom, and by whose mediation?
II. Item, Whether your bishop, deane, chapter, and
all other your govemours do in their severall regiments i$
direct all their doings to seek the glory of God, the godly
quietness of the church of England, of the upholding in
good order of your cathedral church of neyther
suffringe of the same corrupt doctrine, nor offensive man-
ners ; and whether any of them doth, or hath, make, or »
Articles to be enquired'] Strype, Grind, p. 313. Collier. Tol. iL
P- 552.
157^0 ArcKlMhiop GrindaWs vi$iiaiian ariidei. 868
suffer any wast, ruyne, decaye, or dilapidation of the
goods, or possessions of this church, as by decaye, or not
repayring the church, and their severall houses, alienating
the stocke, buildinges, ymplementes, or other moYeable
5 goodes of the church, or committing any of the same to
private uses, or making of leases in possession, or reyer-
sion, for moe yeres, or otherwaies, then the statutes of
your church do prescribe, or by gredy wast of timbre^
excessive sales of woode, advowsons, unused and un-
lo reasonable grauntes, patentes, and reyertions of offices,
unwounted annuities, and such like gredy gripinge of
thinges present, to the impoverishing of the church and!
succession ; how many, and what they be, whether any
such grante or advowson hath been soldo for any value ;
15 by whom, to whom, ,and for how much, and vefao now
enjoyeth the same?
III. Item, How many such grauntes, pattentes, advow-
sons, sales, ofHces, annuities, and such like hath binne
confirmed by your chapiter seal, sithence the first yere of
^o her majesties reign ; to whose use, and by whose means ;
and what money was received for the same, by whom,
and to whose use ; whether any like goifte, graunt, ad-
vowson, or lease, for longer time than for twenty one
yeres, or three lives, hath been made, or confirmed, anie-
ns dated, or by other coUorable means procured, in possession
or reversion, sithence the beginning of the parliament in
///. Item, How many iuch'] By statate i Eliz. c. 19. fatthops were
restrained from granting leases (except to the crown) other than for
twenty-one years or three lives ; but it stiO continued lawM for other
30 sole corporations to grant long leases, with proper consent or oonfiima-
tion, until the passing of the statute 13 Eliz. c. io» by which all other
corporations, whether sole or aggregate, are placed under the same
restraints with bishops. The inquiries of this 3d article are evidently
with reference to these two disabling statates. See i Inst. 44, 45.
35 Gibs. Cod. 744. Blackst. Com. vol. ii. p. 320. Bum. Eoc. L. vbL iL
p. 385. Strype, Smith, p. 144. Wood's Ann. vd. iL p. 178.
364 Archbishop GrindalVs visitation articles. [LXXXIII.
the thirtenth yere of her majesties reigne ; what those be,
and by whose means procured, and to what use ?
IV. Item, Whether your deanes, archdeacons, and
other dignities of your church be resident or not j who
they be, what other promotions or livings every one of 5
them hath, and in what diocess ; and whether every one
of them be ministers or not, whether they use semely or
preestly gannentes, according as they are commaunded by
the queues majesties injunctions to doe?
V. Item, Whether your prebendaries be commonlie »
resident, or how many of them ? what orders they be in,
how, and in what apparell they do commonly go ; whe-
ther they do preacho in their severall courses ; or how
often ; and what times in the yere ; or how often they do
resorte to your cathedral church ? 15
VI. Item, Whether your divine service be used, and
the sacraments ministred in manner and forme prescribed
in the queues majesties injunctions, and none otherwaies;
whether it be said or songe in due time ; whether in all
pohites, according to the statutes of your church, not being »
repugnant to any of the queues majesties lawes or injunc-
tions ; whether all that were wonte to be bounde, or
ought to come to it, do so still ; whether every one of
your church doth openly communicate in the said cathe-
dral church, at the least, once in every yeare ? 15
VII. Item, Whether your grammer schole be well
ordered ; whether the number of the children thereof be
fiiniished; how many do want, and by whose de&ulte;
whether they be diligently and godly brought up in the
feare of God, and holsom doctrine ; whether any of them 30
have been received for money or rewardes, and by whome;
whether the statutes, foundations, and other ordinances
towchinge the godly prescribed, and used almes of your
church, and the said grammer scholemaster, or the
schollars thereof, or any other havingo doing or interest 35
therein, be kept ; by whom it is not observed, or by whose
1576.] Archhkhop GrindalFs vUitaiian ariidm. SfiS
defaulte; and the like, in all points, you shall enquire
and present of your choristers, and their master ?
VIII. Item, Whether all other officers, and ministers
of your church, as well within as withowte^ do their
5 duities in all pointes obediently and faithfully, and whe-
ther your deane, stewardes, treasurers, bursors, receyvors,
or any officer, having any charge, or any waies being
accomptant to the said church, do make a trewe, perfect,
and faithfiill account at such daies and times, as be
10 limited and appointed by the statutes and customes of
the said church, making full payment yerely of all arrer-
ages; whether any money, or goods, of the church do
remain in any mans hands ; who they be, and what somm^
remajmeth ?
15 IX. Item, You shall enquire of the doctrine and
judgement of all and singuler hed and members of your
said church; as your deane, archdeacons, prebendaries,
readers of divinitie, scholemasters, vicars, petticannoiiSi
deacons, conductes, singing men, choristers, scholers in
so grammer scholes, and all other officers and ministers, as
well within your church as without ; whether any of them
do either priveley or openly preache any usholsome, erro-
niouse, or seditious doctrine, contrary or repugnant to
any article agreed upon in any synod of the clergy of the
15 province of Cant, sithence the first yere of her majesties
reign, or discorage any man soberly for his edifienge from
the reading of the holly scriptures, or in any point to
perswade, or move any not to conform themselves to the
order of religion reformed, restored, and revived by pubUc
30 authoritie in this church of England ?
X. Item, You shall enquire of the names and surnames
of all and singuler the abovenamed members, officers, and
ministers of this your said church, as well high as low ;
whether you know and suspect any of them to obtaine
3!^ his rome or lyving by simony, that is, by money, unlaw-
full covenantes, guifte, or reward ; who presented him ;
866 Archbishop Gfimlairi vimiaihn ariid^ [LXXXHI.
whether his living be in lease, and by whom it is leased ;
to whom, and upon what rent ; whether he doth pay any
pension; for what cause, what sonmie, and to whom;
whether any of them be knowen or suspected to be a
swearer, an adulterer, a fornicator, or suspected of any 5
other unclenelyness ; whether any of them do use any
suspect house, or suspected company of any such faults,
any tavern, alehouse, or tippling houses at any inconveni-
ent season ; whether any of them be suspected to be a
drunkard, a dicer, a carder, a brawler, fighter, quarreller, '^
or unquiet person, a carrier of tales, a backbiter, slanderer,
bate maker, or any other waies a breaker of charitie or
unity, or cause of unquietness by any meanes ?
XI. Item, Whether you have necessary ornaments and
bookes for your church ? 15
XII. Item, Whether your churche be sufficiently le-
payred in all partes; what stocke or annuitie is there
towards the reparations of the cathedrall church; in
whose hands and custodye doth it remayne ?
Item, Finally you shall presente what you think neces- »
sary or profitable for the church to be reformid, or of
newe to be appointid and ordred in the same.
157^0 Ortkn for r^vrmatim ff timmiL 867
LXXXIV.
Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Chrirti Beg. AngliaB
Edm. Orikdall I. 1576. Elizab. i8.
Orders for reformation of abuses about the learned M«r-
dses and conferences among the ministers of the church.
Strype's Life of Grindall, p. 220.
I. TNPRIMIS, The said exercises are to be used in
such churches, and at such times, as the bishop of
the diocese shall under his hand and seal appoint.
Orders for reformation] These exercises were in many cases bene-
5 ficial, in many others mischievous ; and in those days of rebuke and
turbulence a single instance of disorder would make more impreaakm
upon the court than all the benefits that might eventually ensue from
increased knowledge and rational inquiry. It is dear from these
" orders" that among the positive and visible evils were the following ;
10 that laymen were allowed to take part in the debates; that non-con-
forming ministers were allowed also ; that occasion had been taken to
attack the character of individuals, both public and private; that speeches
had been made against the established government and servicea at
the church ; that some speakers had shewn themselves iU-afiected to-
15 wards the state. (Strype, Grind, p. 326. Neal's Purit. vol. i. p. 231.)
« The archbishop believed this mismanagement accidental to the meet-
ings : he thought the design was serviceable for the improvement of the
people and clergy, and therefore endeavoured to make it answer nptm.
experiment and to bring the practice up to the plan." Collier, vol. iL
90 p. 553. Hallam, Const. Hist. vol. i. p. 211.
The number and nature of the questions, which may have been raised
at some of these meetings, may be seen from the following passage in
bishop Cooper's Admonition to the people of England (p. 160), pub-
lished in the year 1589. " At the beginning some learned and godly
25 preachers, for private respects in themselves, made strange to wear the
surplice, cap or tippet : but yet so that they declared themselves to
think the thing indifferent, and not to judge evil of such as did use
them. Shortly after rose up other, defending that they were not things
indifferent, but distained with antichristian idolatry, and therefore not
30 to be suffered in the church. Not long after came another sort» af-
firming that those matters touching apparel were but trilleSy and not
368 Orders for reformation ofahuaes. [LXXXIV.
II. Item, That in all such assemblies for the said con-
ferences or exercises, either the archdeacon, if he be a
divine, or else some one other grave learned graduate,
at the least, to be appointed and allowed by the bishop,
as before, be present and moderate the said exercises. $
III. Item, That a catalogue of names be made and
allowed of those that are judged meet to be speakers in
course in the said exercises ; which are known to be able
to speak aptly, and to the profit and edifying of the
hearers. And such parts of the scripture entreated of, w
as the bishop shall appoint.
IV. Item, That the rest of the ministers, not able to
speak publicly with commendation, be assigned by the
moderators some tasks, for the increase of their learning,
to be comprised in writing, or otherwise, concerning the 15
exposition of some part of scripture ; and those tasks to
be read privately before the ministers only, and not
before the laity.
V. Item, Ante omnia, That no lay person be suffered
to speak publicly in those assemblies. 20
VI. Item, That no man speaking in the said exer-
cises, shall be suffered to glance openly, or covertly
against any state, or any person public or private. If he
worthy contention in the church, but that there were greater things hx
of more weight and importance, and indeed touching faith and reUgion, 15
and therefore meet to be altered in a church rightly reformed : as the
bookof commcm prayer, the administration of the sacraments, the govern-
ment of the church, the election of ministers, and a number of other like.
Fourthly, now break out another sort, earnestly affirming and teach-
ing, that we have no church, no bishops, no ministers, no sacramenti ; 30
and therefore that all that love Jesus Christ ought with all speed to
separate themselves from our congregations, because our assemblies are
profane, wicked and antichristian. Thus have you heard of four de-
grees for the overthrow of the state of the church of Ekigland. Now
lastly of all come in these men that make their whole direction against 55
the living of bishops and other ecclesiastical ministers ; that they shonld
have no temporal lands or jurisdiction."
157^0 Orden fin* refbrimtHon of aimn. 809
do, the moderators shall immediately interrupt him, and
put him to silence ; and notice to be made of the cause
of interruption to the bishop, and the party interrupted
not to be again admitted, without the bishop's approba-
5 tion, and the knowledge of his oflfence.
VII. That no man be suffered in the said exercises
to make any invections against the laws, rites, policies,
and discipline of the church of England, establidied by
public authority. If any attempt the contrary, he is
I o immediately to be commanded to silence. And the
moderator or moderators, are therein to satisfy the audi-
tory. And the speaker shall not be admitted to speak
any more, till he, after public satis&ction made, shall
obtain a new admission and approbation of the bishop.
15 VIII. Item, Forasmuch as diyers ministers deprived
from their livings, and inhibited to preach, for not obey-
ing the public orders and discipline of the church of
England, have intruded themselves in sundry places, to
be speakers in the said exercises, and being excluded
10 horn pulpits, have in the said exercises usually made
their invections against the orders, rites, and discipline
of the church, which hath been the cause to move diven
to a mislike of the said exercises, (being of themselves,
if they be well used, veiy profitable for many respects,)
25 every bishop is to take strict order in his diocese, that
hereafter none be suffered to be speakers in the said
exercises, which remain dejmved or inhibited for the
causes aforesaid, except they shall have before conformed
themselves to order ; neither any other^ which shall not^
30 both by subscription and daily practice, conform him-
self to public orders and discipUne of this chmreh hj law
established.
Edm. Gantuak,
VOL. I. B b
370 On the obttrvatim of Ember day$ emd L«nt. [LXXXV.
LXXXV.
Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christi R«g. Anglic
Edm. Grindall I. 1576. Elizab. 19.
The couyiciVs letter to the archbishop of Canterbury about
the obsermtion of Embei* days and Lent. — Reg. Grindall
in Strype's Life of Grindall, p. 226,
A FTER our hearty commendations to your good lord-
ship. The queen's majesty of late entering into
The counciPs letter] Strype, Grind, p. 336. The reason here given
for fasting was also urged in the Homily for Fasting (second part,
p. 24 1 ) set forth in this reign : " What good English heart would not 5
wish that the old ancient glory should return to the reahn, wherein it
hath with great commendations excelled before our days^ in the furni-
ture of the naw of the same ? What will more daunt the hearts of the
adversaries than to see us well fenced and armed on the sea, as we be
reported to be on the land ?" Similar motives " of worldly and civil "
policy" appear in the proclamation issued by king Ekiward VI. in the
year 1548^ and in a proclamation of queen Elizabeth of the year 1572.
So again in the year 1579 and in other years afterwards, proclamatioiis
were issued enjoining abstinence on the ground that encouragement
was thereby given to the navy and the fisheries. Proclamations for the (5
o])servance of Lent were continued during the reigns of James and
Charics down to the period of the civil war, and were renewed after the
Restoration.
Bp. Cooper in his " Admonition to the people of England" (1589)
says, '* How God hath placed this land there is no reasonable man bnt^
seeth. The sea are our walls, and if on these walls we have not some
reasonable furniture of shii)s, we shall tempt God, in leaving open our
country to the enemy, and not using those instruments which God
hath appointed. Tlicre is no state of men, that doth so much furmth
this realm with sufficient numbers of mariners for our navy, as fidien >5
do. And how shall fishers be maintained, if they have not sufficient
utterance for those things for which they travail ? And how can they
have utterance, if every dainty-mouthed man, without infirmity and
sickness, shall eat flesh at his pleasure ? They can not pretend religian,
or restraint of Christian liberty, seeing open protestation is made bj JB
157^0 On the olserration of Ember days and Lmt, 371
consideration, how that, notwithstanding sundry good
statutes and laws made heretofore by common consent in
parliament to the contrary, the observ^ation of the Em-
bering and fifty days is not so duly looked unto, as it
5 ought to be, and as is requisite in policy for the main-
tenance of mariners, fishermen, and the navy of the
realm; hath thought convenient for the cause, first in
her highness's own household to give strait charge unto
the officers, for the observation of them: and it is or-
lo dered, that they shall be more carefully looked unto and
continued, than heretofore they have been. The like we
have signified by her majesty's special appointment, to the
lord mayor of the city of London, and other her majesty's
oflficers and loving subjects abroad ; to the intent that by
15 an unfeigned observation in all places throughout the
realm of the said law already provided and meet to be
put in execution in this respect, the state might take
such benefit thereby, as was at the time of the making
intended ; which we can assure your lordship is the only
20 cause, why at this time the observation of them is so
much urged. Howbeit for that it may be, that this her
majesty's good meaning may either be misconstrued by
some and depraved by others, as though any superstition
(wherewith her majesty, God be thanked, is not to be
"25 the law, that it is not for conscience sake, but for the defence and safety
of the realm. Therefore this crying out against this law, is not only
needless, but also undiscreet and factious." (p. 99.)
Penalties were attached to the offence of eating flesh on forbidden
days by the statute 2 and 3 Edw. VI. c. 19, and to other motives was
30 added the encouragement that was thereby afforded to the trade of
fishing. That motive is alleged as the only reason for the next statute
on the subject, the 5 of Eliz. c. 5. The severity of this law was miti-
gated by the statute 27 of Eliz. c. 11, which diminished the number
of forbidden days, and lastly by the statute 35 of Elliz. c. 7. §.22.
.=?5 which reduced the amount of the penalty. Strype, Mem. vol. ii. P. 2.
p. 345. Ann. vol. ii. P. i. p. 307. Collier, vol. ii. p. 557. Hallam, vol. i.
P- 430-
Bb 2
S7S On the observaiian of Ember days and L&ni. [LXXXV.
touched or suspected) were thereby intended; for the
meeting with and answering such slanderous conceits as
may be spied and mistaken among her highneBs's sub-
jects, we have thought good to require your lordship to
give order within your province, that the ministers and s
preachers, which are or shall be admitted to that function,
be commanded, in their sermons and exhortations to the
people to instruct and teach them to be willing and obe-
dient to conform themselves and their families to the
observation of the said laws, as in duty they are bound ; lo
and further declare unto them, that the same is not
required for any liking of popish ceremonies heretofore
used, (which utterly are detested,) but only to miiintAin
the mariners and navy in this land, by setting men a fish-
ing. Which thing is so necessary for the realm, especially 15
in these dangerous times, as no means are to be omitted,
whereby it may be thought the same may be according
to the laws brought to pass, and perfected accordingly.
And for that the exhortations and doctrines of good
and dutiful ministers may do much good in this matter, ^
both to remove scrupulousness and misconceits of some
few, and also to induce the greater and conmion number
to obey and observe the said laws; we have thought
good to signify so much unto your lordship, that by the
good assistance of you, and others under you, the matter 15
might be furthered, and take such good success for the
benefit of this realm, as we desire. From Hamptoncoort
the 13th of December, m.d.lxxvi.
Your lordship's right assured Umng friends^
W. Burghley. F. Knollys. ^
A. Warwick. Jam. Croftes.
R. Leicester. Fra. Walsingham.
1577] ^HMx MM6tfV$ tetter agemit emmMm, S78
LXXXVI.
Archiepifc Cant. Anno Christ! B^. Asi^m
£dm. G&INDALL 9. 1577. EI.I2AB. I9.
ueen Elizabeth's letter to the bishops throughout Enj^amd
against conventicles^ and for the suppressing the exercise
called prophesying. — Ex MS, CSotton. Gleopat F. 2.
fol. 287.
R
&ther in God, we grete you wc
greate greefe, that in sondiy parts
Queen Elizabeth's letter] Qaeen Elizabeth hamng rignified lier pka-
Bure to the archbishop that the ezerdae of pn^diecjing ahoiild be ai^
5 pressed, that preachers should be reduced toa amaUer munber, and tiliaft
homilies should be read instead of aermona, the archbishop addreaaed a
letter to her on the 20th of December 1576, in which he stated at
length his reasons for approving and encouraging the ezerciae, and de-
clared his inability to comply with her majeaty'B commanda. " For my
10 own part/' he said, " because I am very well aasored both by reaaon
and arguments taken out of the holy acriptures, and by eiiyeriience, fhe
most certain seal of sure knowledge, that the aaid ezerdaea, for the in^
terpretation and exposition of the scriptures, and for ezhortatioii and
comfort drawn out of the same, are both profitable to inoreaae loiow-
15 ledge among the ministers, and tendeth to the edifying of the lieann»
I am forced, with all humility, and yet plainly, to proCsai, tiliaft I aamwC
with safe conscience and without the offenoe of the Majeaty of GodL
give my assent to the siq>pre88ing of the aaid ezerdbea s mudi kaa oan
I send out any injunction for the utter and univeraal aobreraion of the
so same." (Strype, Grind, p. 569.) Endeavours were atiU made to bri^g
the archbishop to compliance ; but aa they were entirely fruttleaa, the
queen issued her letter of the 7th of May 1577, to the aeveral Inahc^;
and early in the following month the court of Star-diamber confined
the archbishop to his house, and aequestered him firom his juriadictioD
35 for six months.
The exercise was approved by the biahopa generally and by several of
the queen's ministers ; and lord Bacon at a anbaeq[uent period in a letter
to king James, in which he considered whether it wis deaunhte to re-
new an exercise which had been praotiaed in the bfamdi for some years
BbS
374 Queen ElkabMs letter against eanveniides. [LXXXVI.
our realme there are no Bmall numbers of persons, pre-
suminge to be teachers and preachers of the church,
though nether lefulie thereunto called, nor yet [fit] for
the same, which, contrary to our lawes established for
the publique divine service of Almighty God, and the ad- 5
ministration of his holie sacraments within this church of
England, doe daylie devise, imagine, propound, and putt
in execution sundrie new rites and formes in the church,
as well by their preachinge, readinge, and ministringe the
sacraments, as well by procuringe unlawfiill assemblies of »
a greate number of our people out of theire ordinarie
parishes, and from place far distant, and that also of
some of good callinge, (though therein not well advised)
to be hearers of theire disputations, and new devised
opinions uppon pointes of divinity, farre and unmeete of 15
unlearned people, which manner of invasions they in some
places call prophesinge, and in some other places exer-
and had been suppressed in opposition to the advice and opinion of " the
greatest and gravest prelate of the land/' added that " in his opinion it
was the best way to frame and train up preachers, to handle the word ^
of God as it ought to be handled, that had been practised." And again in
his tract on Church Controversies, " I know prophecying was subject
to great abuse, and would be more abused now, because heat of conten-
tions is increased : but I say the only reason of the abuse was, because
there was admitted to it a popular auditory, and it was not contained >5
within a private conference of ministers." Works, vol. ii. pp. 516. 543.
It appears that the exercise instead of being suppressed, was encou-
raged, in the province of York ; for archbishop Sandys in his visitation
of the province in the following year gave directions for additional
preaching, and enjoined the archdeacons to hold quarterly synods of the S^
clergy for the discussion of religious questions. And this is in accord-
ance with what we know from other quarters of the prevalence of po-
pery, rather than puritanism, in the northern province. " There are
not," says Sadler, writing from thence, " ten gentlemen in this country
who do favour and allow of her majesty's proceedings in the cause of 35
religion." See No. LXXVI. Strj'pe, Grind, pp. 342. 444. Collier,
vol. ii. p. 554. Neal*s Purit. vol. i. p. 231. Strype, Ann. vol. iii. P.i.
p. 480. Hallam, Const. Hist. vol. i. p. 144.
15770 Q^^^^ Elizaleth^B letter again&t coimntidee. 916
cises ; by which manner of assemblies, great numbers of
our people, speciallie the vulgar sorte, meete to be other-
wise occupied with honeste labour for there livinge, ace
brought to idleness, and seduced, and in a manner schjs-
5 matically divided amongst themselves into varietie of
dangerous opinions, not only in .townes and parishes, but
even in some families ; and manifestlie therby incorraged
to the violation of our lawes, and to the breache of com-
mon order, and finalie to the offiance of all our quiett
10 subjects, that desier to serve God accordinge to the uni-
forme orders established in the ohuroh, whereof the se-
quele cannot be but over dangerous to be suffired. Where-
fore consideringe it should be the dutie of the bushopes,
being the principall ordinarie officers in the church of
>5 God, as you are, once to see this dishonors against the
honor of God and the quietness of the church reformed,
and that wee see that by the increase of these through
sufferance, great daunger may ensue even to the decaye
of the Christian foith, whereof we are by God appointed
3o the defender, besides the other inconveniences, to the
disturbance of our peaceable government ; we therefore,
accordinge to authoritie we have, charge^ and command
you as the bushopp of that diocesse with all manner of
diligence, to take order throughe your diocesse, as well
25 in places exempt as otherwise, that no manner of pub-
lique and divine service, nor other forme of th' adminia-
tration of the holie sacraments, nor any other rites or ce-
remonies be in any sort used in the church, but direcdie
accordinge to the orders established by our lawes. Nether
30 that any manor of person be sufficed within your diocesse
to preache, teache, reade, or anie wise exercise any func-
tion in the church, but such as shall be lawfully approve
and licensed, as persons able for there knowledge, and
conformable to the ministrie in the rites and ceremonies
35 of the church of England ; and where there sball not be
sufficient able persons for learning in any caies to preaoht
Bb4
876 Archhuhop GrindalVB letter aboui canveniieUs. [LXXXVIL
or instructe their cures, as were requisite, there shall yon
limitte the curats to read the publike homilies, aceordinge
to the injunctions heretofore by us geven for like causes.
And furthermore considringe, for the great abuses that
have byn in sundrie places of our realme, by reason of 5
our forsaid assemblies, called exercises, and for that the
same are not, nor have not ben appomted nor warranted
by us, or by our lawes ; we will and straightlie charge
you, that you also charge the same forthwith to cease,
and not to be used ; but if any sliall attempt or continew, 10
or renew the same, wee will you not onlie to comitte
them unto prison, as maynteyners of disorders, but also to
advertise us or our counsaile of the names and qualities
of them, and of there mayntainers, and abettors^ that
thereuppon for better example their punishment may be 15
more sharpe for their reformation. And in these things
we charge you to be so carefuU and vigilant, as by your
negligence, if wee shall here of any personn attemptinge
to offend in the premises without your correction or infor-
mation to us, we be not forced to make some example or »
reformation of you, aceordinge to your deserts. Yeven
under our signet at our manner of Greenwhich the 7th
of May, M.D.LXXVii.
LXXXVII.
Archiepisc Cant. Anno Christi Beg. An^ia
Edm. Grind all i. 15 77* Elisab. aa
The arMishop of Canterhurjf s letter to tJie lords of the
privy council^ about the same. — Ibid.
"DIGHT honourable and my singular good lords. I
cannot denye but that I have bene comnmunded «5
The archbishop of] *' Six months being now expired and gnvwing
towards the latter end of November, the lord treaBurer sent a private
I577*] ArchMskop GrindalVs letter abatU canventides. 8T7
bothe by the quene's majestye herself, and also by divers
of your honourable lordships in her name, to suppresse all
those exercises within my province, that are commonly
called prophesies. But I doe protests before Godd, the
5 judge of all hartes, that I did not of any stubbomess or
wilfulness refuse to accomplishe the same, but only upon
conscience ; for that I found suche kinde of exercise set
downe in the holie scriptures, and the use of the same to
have continued in the primitive church. And was per-
^o swaded that (the abuse being refonned, which I alwaies
offered myselfe reddie to labour in) the said exercise
might yet serve to the greet profitte of the church ; and
feared that the utter suppressing of them wolde bread
offence. And therefore was a most humble sutor unto
•5 her majestic, that I might not be made the chief instru-
mente in suppressinge the same. Yet not prejudicing or
condemninge any, that in respecte of pollicie or other-
wise, sholde be of contrary judgement, or beinge of au-
thoritie sholde suppresse them. For I knowe right well,
'io that there be some things of that nature, wherein di-
verse men may be of diverse opinions, and abownde in
their owne sense (being not repugnante to the analogie
and kind message to the archbishop by Groodman, dean of Westminster,
containing some account after what manner the Star-chamber would
a 5 proceed in his business, and withal his lordship's directions to him, how
he should demean himself in respect of the offence he gave the queen
by the exercises. . . .The archbishop thought not fit to comply so far as
was advised, but still esteeming himself not to have done amiss, he
would not ask pardon, which supposed a fault. Nor did he appear in
30 person before the lords in the Star-chamber, but sent an humble writ-
ing to them the next day, viz. November the 30th.. . .He was not re-
stored to his liberty, nor the exercise of his jurisdiction, as yet. Nor
do I find that he ever after much enjoyed the queen's favour ; inso-
much that he was desirous of resigning his archbishopric." Strype,
35 Grind, pp. 348. 350. 354. Collier, vol. ii. p. 560. Neal's Purit. vol. i.
P- 234.
878 Archbishcp GrindalTs letter about canwniicles. [LXXXVII.
of faithe) without any prejudice to their Balvation, or anj
prejudice of other to other. Notwithstanding, howsoever
others, being otherwise perswaded, might saflie doe yt ;
yet I thought it not safe for me (being so perswaded in
mynde) to be the doer of that, whereof my owne harte 5
and conscience woulde condenme me. And whereas I
have susteyned the restrainte of my liberty, and seques-
tration of my jurisdiction, nowe by the space of six
mouthes, I am so far from repininge thereat, or thinkiugc
myself injuriouslie or hardlie dealte withal therein at her i"
majesty's haunds, that I doe thankfully imbrace and
franklie with all humilitie acknowledge her priucelye,
gratiouse, and rare clemency towards me, who havinge
authoritie and power to have used greater and sharper
severitie againste me, and for good policie and example n
thinkinge it so cxj^ediente, hath notwithstanding dealte
so mcrciiully, mildlye, and gentlye with me.
But the greatestc griefe, that ever I have hadd or have,
h the loss of her majesties favoiu*, and the susteyninge of
the displeasure of so gratiouse a soveraigne ; by whome »
the churche and realme of Englande hath ben so longe,
so happilie governed ; and by whom myselfe privntelie,
and speciallie above other subjects, have received so
many, and so great benefits above all my dcservinge.
For the recoverye of whose gratiouse favor, I moste^s
humblye beseclie your lordships to be a meanes to her
majostie for me. The which obteyned, I shall esteme
farre above all worldlie benefitts whatsoever. And I
proteste here before Godd, and your honours, that not
onely my dewtifull and humble obedience to her majestie ^
shal be suche, as she shall have no cause to repente her of
her graciouse goodness, and clemencie shewed unto me,
but also that by nioste ferventc, hartie, and daylie praier
(as I have done hitherto) so 1 will contynewe, accordinge
to my bownden dewtie, to make moste eameste Bute untois
J5770 Quee» EKzabe&'s letter to /Mid p$tpi0^ 899
AUmightde Godd for the longe preservation of her ma-
jesties most happie xaigne, to the unspeakable benefitt ,of
the church and realme of Einglande. 89 November,
M.D.LXXVn.
5 Ek)M . Camtuas.
LXXXVIIL
Anchiepiac Cant. /^MufO Chrifti JfL^. ^IVMb
Edm. Orindall 7, 1577* Elizab. 90.
Queen Elizabeth^s letter to John Wkitff^f bishop of Wor^
cesteTy to forbid prophecies, — Stiype's Life of Whitgift,
p. 81.
13 IGHT reverend fother in Gk)d, etc. Considecmg tiuit
our chief care and study is, to see the good laws,
which are set forth for the quiet government of this our
realm, and among other things as the chiefest, that the
lo orders established in the church for the advancement of
God's glory, may be duly observed, and an uniform unity
maintained among the clergy, and other our good sub-
jects ; which will be the better done and continued, by
the diligence of the ordinary, and by the inatracti^m and
15 travel about the diocese by personal visitation^ as is meet,
that he may rather see than hear, vi4iat is meet ^to ^be by
him reformed; and understanding, that of late jBars
there hath been used in divers dioceses of this jpealm a
certain public exercise, or, as they call it, prophecying, by
3o certain persons pretending a more pwty, jby the mitqner
of the doing thereof, evil eflEbct hath eoBued in some
places, to our grief, among the unlearned sort^ easy to be
carried with novelties ; therefore, for certain good causes
moving us, we do vnll and conHnand you» forthvnih, upop.
25 Queen EUxabeih's letter] Strype, Whitg. vol. L p. i^.
380 The eounciTs letter to artMiskcp GrMUU. [LXXXIX.
the receipt hereof, to make express order throughout all
your diocese, that all such prophecies be forborne, and
none other exercise be suffered to be publicly used,
than preaching by persons learned, discreet, conformable,
and sound in religion, heard and allowed by you without 5
partiality, and reading homilies in such sort, as is set
forth by public authority, by the injunction and order of
the book of common prayer. And further that you sig-
nify unto us, or to some of our privy council attending
about our person, the names of all persons, of what degree 10
soever the same be, that are the setters forth and main-
tainers of such exercises, and in what places, as also of
such as shall impugn this order; and what you shall
have done herein from time to time ; hereof not to fail, as
ye tender our pleasure, and will avoid the contrary at 15
your peril.
LXXXIX.
Archiepiflc Cant. Anno Christi R^. Aii|^a
Edm. Grindall 3. '579* Elisab. ai.
A letter from tJte lords of Hie queerCs council to the arch-
bishop of Cant, concerning a libel printed against her
marriage with Monsieur the French king's brother.
Reg. Grindall, in Stiype's Life of GrindaU, Append,
p. 92. seqq.
A FTER our right hearty commendations to your
-^^ good lordship ; you shall understand, how of late
A letter from the lords] The book which gave occasion to this order
of council was written by a puritan of the name of Stubbs, of linoblii't
Inn, and was entitled^ " The discovery of a gaping gulph, wberdnlo
England is hke to be swallowed by another French marriage, &c."
The queen was greatly displeased by the boldness of this book* in pit-
15790 The eomciFi letter ^ ordMikp Ghrkid^ 881
hath been imprinted within the citj of London a certain
libel, entitled, ** The gaping golph," wherein the author,
under the pretence of misliking of some dealings treated
of between her majesty, and the duke of Aiyou, the
5 French king's brother, in yeiy deed seemeth to go about
to draw her majesty's subjects into some mistrust and
doubt of her highness's said actions, as though thereby
some alteration were like to ensue, especially in religion,
which her highness hath heretofore established and main-
lotained, and is fully determined with the assistance of
God's goodness and grace to uphold and maintain during
her life, yea and even with the hazard of her own person;
whose constancy in that behalf cannot in reason be called
in question, if with thankfulness it be thought on, how
15 her majesty hitherto, for the maintenance of the same^
hath willingly sustained the malice of the great and
mighty princes her neighbours, as one that wholly de-
pendeth on God's providence, with assurance that so long
as she shall continue a nurse to the church, she shall
ao never lack for merciful assistance.
Notwithstanding, forasmuch as we know, that diyere
of the said books have been seditiously cast abroad and
dieting seriouB dangers to the religion md government of the mtiQii,
from a connection with the royal ftmily of France ; but ahe appears to
35 have been still more indignant at the Kbela it oontained upon the peraon
and character of the duke himself, for whom ahe entertained a ttrong
affection. Stubbs was convicted as a libeller and condemned to loae
his right hand. The queen's affection for the dnke, lAkh has been
much disputed, is well described in a sonnet of lamentatioii said to
30 have been written by her on his departure from T^gland aoon after-
wards. It may be seen in Ashmole's MSS. yol. dedyxxi. p. I4t.
Comp. Strype, Grind, p. 360. Aylm. p. 40. Ann. vol. ii. P. 3. p. 3x8*
Neal's Purit. vol. i. p. 241. Collier, vol. ii. p. 573. HaHam, Cooat.
Hist. vol. i. pp. 135. 250. Harington, Nng» Antiqw, vol. i. pp.
.=*5 «43 — >6i- Lingard, vol. v. p. 356.
During the suspension oi the archbishop hb jnriadiction was exer*
cised by his officers.
S8S The anmciTs letter to arehHshop Orindatt. [LXXXIX.
dispersed in sundry places of this realm, and have good
occasion to think the same hath been done within your
lordship's diocese ; by the reading whereof her majesty's
good subjects, especially those of the clergy, may perhaps
by overlight credit, upon vain suspicious and presump-s
tions be induced to think and speak otherwise of her
majesty's doings, than either they have cause to do, or it
becometh dutiful and obedient subjects ; her majesty for
the removing of all such doubts, as may be conceived in
that behalf, and the better confirming of her fiuthfiil ser- lo
vants in such a good opinion of her highness, as both her
doings and government over them (the like whereof
never happened within this realm) have deserved, and
appertaineth before God and men unto their duties ; hath
at this present caused a proclamation to be made, printed, 15
and jmblished, which we send your lordship herewith.
Upon the receipt whereof her majesty's pleasure is, that
wth as much speed as you conveniently may, you should
assemble the special noted preachers and other eccle-
siastical persons of good calling within your diocese, and »
upon the reading of the said proclamation, to signify unto
them her highness's constant and firm determination to
maintain the state of religion without any alteration or
change in such sort as hitherto she hath done ; and that as
heretofore she could not by any persuasion or practice of 25
sundry adversaries be brought to alter or change the same,
so now much less her meaning is at this present, by any
treaty with the said duke to do the like ; who hath here-
tofore shewn himself a friend to those of the religion
even with the hazard of his estate and life (a thing not<H i»
riously known, though by another of the libels it be
otherwise untruly given out) and doth deserve in respect
of the honour he did of late to her majesty, in vouch-
safing to come and see her in such a kind and confident
manner, without respect of the peril he did expose him- 35
self to in the said voyage, both by the sea and by the
1579-] ^^ catmeiTs letter to arehhiskop
land, to be honoured, and esteemed of all those that tnily
love her highness.
Ye shall also admonish them, that in their sennoiiff
and preachings, they do not intermeddle with any sack
5 matter of estate, being in very dJBod not incident, nor
appertaining to their profession ; but commanding them
to contain themselves within the limits and bomoids of
their callings, which is to preach the gospel of Christ iat
all purity and singleness, without entangling and con-
ic founding themselves in secular matters, wherewith they
ought to have nothing to do at all ; but mther teach t\ut
people to be thankful towards Almighty God for the
great benefits both of liberty of conscience, peace, and
wealth, which they have hitherto enjoyed by her ma»
15 jesty's good means, and to beseech him to continue and
increase his blessings over us, to the intent that in aHf
humbleness and obedience under her gracious govern-
ment, we may lead a quiet and Christiaa life, rather than
by intermeddling in such matters impertinent to their
90 calling, go about to give occasion of distrust or disquiet-
ness among the subjects of this realm. By which their
unorderly dealings there cannot but grow great prejudice
to the cause of religion, which mi^ be perhaps pretended,
but in very deed is like by such means rather to be
35 hindered than furthered.
And to such of the said preachers as dwell in remote
places and cannot be present at the said assembly, you
shall signify so much by your letters. And in case any
of them shall understand, that any persons whatsoever by
30 the said books, or otherwise, shall have been seduced, and
carried into any such doubt or mistrust of religion, or
prejudice like to ensue in this realm, ^ou shall charge
them by all godly and Christian persuasions, to do their
best endeavour to remove all such undutiful and unneces*
35 sary conceits ; being £Etr contrary to her majesty's most
gracious meaning. And in case they shall not be able so
884 Ths caunciTs letter to arMishcp Grin^ [LXXXIX.
to prevail as were convenient, but shall understand, that
either some other persons shall otherwise deal in this
matter, or that the people rest not therewith satisfied,
and so shall think that some fiirther order is necessary to
be taken in that behalf, you shall charge them forthwith $
to give notice thereof unto you, the ordinary. And there-
upon you, by your authority, shall call such persons be-
fore you, as in whom you shall find any cause to be
reformed ; and by your information or otherwise, correct
them in their error, so as no further inconvenience follow w
by such disordered behaviour.
And so requiring your lordship, that here and there
may be no want of your diligence, as you tender her ma-
jesty's service, and will answer to the contrary at your
peril, we bid you right heartily farewell. From Green- is
wich the 5. Octob. m.d.lxxix.
Your lordship* s very loving friends^
Tho. Bromely, cane. H. Sydney.
Will. Burghley. F. Walsingham.
Hunsdon. Tho. Wilson. »
F. Knollys,
I
^579-} ff^ coumnts IttUr to mnMithof OrMall. S86
xc.
Archiepiso. Cant Anno Chrigd Rig. Angela
Edm. Orivdall 4. I579* Elieab. 32.
The councils letter to the archbishop of Canterbury can^
cerning some preachers^ that refused to celebrate the
cofnmunion. — Reg. Grindall in Strj^e's Life of Grin-
dall, p. 244.
A FTER our hearty commendations. Whereas her
-^^^ majesty is credibly informed, that divers and sundry
preachers in this realm do only apply themselves to the
ofSce of preaching, and upon some light conceit to thd
5 dishonour of God, the breach of her majesty's laws, the
offence of good subjects, and the great contempt of the
sacraments, which groweth thereby, do separate them*
selves from the executing of the one part of the office of
a priest, which is as well to minister the said sacraments^
10 as to preach the gospel ; and that by this occasion some
are counted and termed, " reading,'' and " ministering,"
ministers^ and some preachers and no sacrament min-
isters ; therefore we are in her miyesty's name to require
your lordship to take a view of all such within your
■5 diocese, as do so disjoin the one part of the function from
the other, and do not at certain times in the year as well
minister the holy sacraments in their own person, in what
place soever they receive any portion for preaching ; and
yourself by your ecclesiastical censures to compel them
20 to execute both. And such as you shall find intractable,
to send them up to us, and to certify us immediately
upon your said view, how many you find of those recusants
within your diocese, that we may thereupon satisfy her
The council's letter] Strype, Grind, p. 362.
VOL. I. C C
^^ H^riscoparum epistoh ad r^ffinam [XCI.
majesty in that behalf. And so we commit your grace to
God. From London the 17th day of January.
Your very hving friends^
Tho. Bromely, cane. Jam. Crofle.
W. Burghley. Chr. Hatton. 5
E. Lincohi. Fra. Walsingham.
J. Sussex. Tho. Wilson.
J. Hunsdon.
XCI.
Archiepiio. Cant. Anno Ghristt Bcf. Aiigli»
Edm. Orikdall 5. 1580. Elizab. aa.
Episcoporum epistola ad reginam Elizabetham pro restoM^
ratione archiepiscopi Cant Edm. Grifklall.^^Ex MS. in
Hyper. Bodlei. Bibl. Oxon.
lyrULLA propemodum res est, serenissima regina, de
qua verius nostra opinione et rectius evangelii pro-
fessores Romanae sedis insolentiam reprehendant, quamio
quod intolerabili quadam arrogantia non seipsam mode
evexerit supra reliquas omnes ubivis terramm Ghristi ee»
clesias, sed principes etiam dignitate pnestantes, et sum-
mos totius orbis monarchas ita in suam potestatem rede-
gerity ut tanquam subditos quodammodo et beneficiarios 15
Episcoporum epistola] Neither this letter, nor another whidi vppmn
to have been addressed to the queen in the year 1580 by the memben
of the convocation (see Fuller, b. 9. p. 119. Heylin, Hist. IVesfayt
p. 288. Collier, vol. ii. p. 570), though both of them written in tiw
most respectful and submissive terms, had the desired effect. The ndi- m
bishop still continued under sequestration. The queen was reaohed to
exercise her power over a prelate, who had not only refused to comply
with her demand on one important occasion, but had also, in his me-
morable letter to her, entreated that in all matters of faith and religioii
she would take the advice and <x)un8el of her bishops and dirinee, aed 15
would never pronounce her sentence as if it rested upon human aii«
thority. Strype, Grind, p. 570.
J
J 580.] pro r&stauraiume Edm. Grtndall. 887
suos legibus, institutis, mandatis obstrinxerit. Ab hao
enim pontificia tyrannide sacrosanctam principum m%jes^
tatem ab optimo et maximo Deo constitutam et confir-
matam aliquot jam secala vidimus infra ordinem redactam,
5 projeetam et prope conculcatam. Non libet hie comme-
morare Alexandros, Gregorios, B<Miiftcio(9» et false cogno-
minatos Clementes, nee qua meriti sunt ratione oommon-
strare, quam indignis modis traetaverint summa potestate
praeditos imperatores et eximiis virtutibus omatos. Nulla
10 respublica fuit, nullum regnum, in quo non suos habuit
Romana curia procuratores et administros, horrenda qua-
dam fulminandi potestate terribiles, quos principibus et
summo magistratui semper opponerent Non mirandum
igitur, si majores tui, dignitate et prudentia pnecellentes
15 regesy parum grates habuerunt Anselmos^ Becketos, Lang-
tones, et id genus alios, quos sibi tanquam compedes in«
jectos yidebant, ut non quae ipsi pro regia dignitatem pro
legibus, pro moribus vellent fisM^re, sed quae liberet pon^
tifieibus administrare cogerentur. Inmianmi banc et
20 plane non ferendam superbiam evangelii dootrina paucifl
annis, sit Deo gratia, et ex hoc regno, et ex aliis pie-
risque rebuspublicis, prout merita est, profligavit. Nam
et nos, qui sub tuae migestatis patrodnio Yivimus, et re-
liqui omnes quicunque sunt in aliis locis verbi praeconefi,
S5 divinae scripturae normam insequentes, eandem pro eb'
atque decet et pro viribus oppugnamus, ut impiam, soe**^
leratam, et sacrilegam. Vere igitur si homineB snrtimaro
Yoluerint, facile constituent, post propagatam hiaee proxi-
mis annis evangelii lucem, sublimem illam regum et prin-»
Bocipum auctoritatem, multis antea seeulis enerratam, re-
vixisse quodammodo, et in pristinam dignitatem resti-
tutam. Injustam igitur et (quod oum bona tuae nugee-
tatis venia dicamus) a Christiana charitate alienam
calumniandi materiam arripiunt, quo bisce temporibus,
53 ut nostram existimationem convellant, episcopos accu-
sant, tanquam immoderatae dominationis eupiditate ob-
cc S
888 Episccporum episfofa ad reginam [XCI.
strictos. In evangelicis enim ecclesiis quicunque episcopi
et ministri, vel cum maxima sunt potestate, quam quidem
legibus sustincrc possmit, hoc solum sibi niuneris vendi-
cant ipsis a Deo impositum, ut libera conscientia queant
salutarem verbi doctrinam et divina Christi mysteria ad '
evangelii normam administrare, et quorumvis hominum
errata, vitia, scelera, ea, qua decet, gravitate reprehendeie.
Quicquid prseterea in rebus humanis auctoritatis habent,
id a principe et summo magistratu proficisci et facile et
libenter agnoscimus : tantum abest, ut tanquam immunes lo
nos eximi cupiamus a potestate principum. Haec cum ita
sint, sanctissima princeps, et cum hoc Inodo simus omnes
animati, non possumus non vehementer dolere, et in hac
luce evangelii cum geniitu et lachrymis prosequi vicera
reverendissimi Cantuariensis eximii Christi praesulis, et>5
summi in ecclesia Anglicana sacerdotis Dei, quem jamdiu
videmus maximo ecclesiae non dedecore modo, sed detri-
mento etiam in summa tuae majestatis indignatione con-
stitutmn. Molestiam certe nostram et animi acerbitatem
tamdiu meliora sperantes repressimus, ut jam non imme- m
rito vereamur ab omnibus bonis vel ingratitudinis» vel
negligentiae, vel impietatis reprehensionem. Pro legia
igitur mansuetudine tua ignosces, ut speramus, audacis
nostras, si nunc tandem Justus animi dolor erumpat^ et
hisee Uteris seipsum prodat apud majestatem tuaiiL*s
Quamobrem pro Christiana pietate et pro imposita noUs
ecclesiarum cura et solicitudine vehementer cum officio
nostro in hoc tempore conjunctum arbitramur, ut de-
missis prccibus tuam majestatem imploremuSp et per
pietatem tuam to et regalis animi clementiam obseciemuB 50
et obtcstemur ; ut ilium digneris in gratiam recipeie, et
hujus ofTensie notam vel nostris votis, vel ipsius dignitatis
vel ecclesiae saluti condones. Cujuscunque sit ordinisi
qui ofienderit, si non crimen sit capitale, paululum sup-
plicii satis videri poterit principi et natura clementissimae, iS
et religionis christianae rationibus insigniter instructe;
1580.] pro restauratione Edm. GrindaU. 389
niulto magis si deliquerit praeclarus aliquis Christi min-
ister, et summus regni tui praesul. In hac causa fortassis
parum ille se morigerum pra^buit, et regie mandate tue
minus ebsequentem. In caeteris prefecte rebus omnibus
5 ilium audemus confirmare et tuae majestatis observan-
tissimum civem, et regni hujus tui, si quis alius, fidissi-
mum subditum, et ecclesiae Christi dignissimum praesulem,
quod et florentem evangelii veritatem suis virtutibus
egregie promovit, et eandem afflictam, et ex hoc regno
loprofligatam nunquam deseruit, sed cum omnium rerum
suarum, tum etiam vitae periculo, ut fidus Christi alumnus,
exulantem illam, et in quasvis terras ab hominibus in-
gratis projectam prosecutus est. In quo quidem afflic-
tissimo suo tempore nihil arbitramur illi tantum intulisse
15 molestiae et acerbitatis, quantum in hoc peperit, quod
cum aliquo ecclesise dedecore, et cum omnium bonorum
dolore, in tuam sanctissimse principis et evangelii protec-
tricis offensam et indignationem incident. Cogitat ille
saepe, et id quidem certe cum gemitu et lachrymis, in
10 quantum ea res timorem conjecerit caeteras omnes evan-
gelicas ecclesias, quae ex hujus offensionis auditione gra-
vissimos dolores conceperunt, multa nostris ecclesiis et
maxima pericula metuentes. Perspicit etiam procul-
dubio, quos spiritus hujus rei nuncium addiderit, et quan-
25 tas spes concitarit hostibus evangelii, qui et tuae sacra-
tissimae majestatis, et regni hujus tui florentissimi, et
sanctissimae Christi ecclesiae ruinam et interitum avide et
non dissimulanter expectant. Parce igitur illius viri dolo-
ribus, cujus vitam ipsi scimus acerbam esse, quod cum
30 tuae celsitudinis offensione et evangelicae professionis non
levi contumelia conjuncta sit. Parce gemitibus ecclesiae
pastorem suum, et a tua benignitate constitutum mode-
ratorem desiderantis. ToUatur per tuam pietatem et
animi celsitudinem insolentissimis et tuis et ecclesiae et
35 servatoris Christi hostibus tarn indigna gloriandi et insula
tandi materia. Erige piissimorum civium animos in metu
c c 3
390 Episcoparum epktola ad reginam i^^^-
jam et squalore et luctu jacentes, et multa, quae poasnnt
hac occasione pro nostris peccatis incidere, pericula ti-
mentes, tuam majestatem demisse, et humiliter precamur,
ut in hac causa teipsam velis consuleie, et ingenitam
animi lenitatem in consilium adhibere, neque sinas alionim 5
(si quae forte erunt) occultas criminationes te minus pro-
pensam ad misericordiam reddere, quam vel natures tuae
bouita^, vel Christiana pietas, vd sanctissimae principia
dignitas ferat. Habemus nos, qui in istis periculoria rim ia
temporibus sub tua majestate gubemationem eocleBiafih>o
ticam sustinemus, adversarios et sibi repugnautes^ et
utrinque noe infestis animis petentes, occultoB Bcilioet
papisticae corruptionis fetutores ab uno latere, et curio0Oi
quosdam rerum novatores ab altero. Utrisque pro eo
atque debemus, et pro viribus nostris nos opponimii8» >5
quia utrosque videmus publican ecclesiae tranquillitali et
quieti jmrum studiose faventes. Mirandum igitur non
est, si ex utroque genere sint nonnulli, qui occultis cuni*
culis, diversa tamen ratione, et reverendissimi Cantuir
riensis, et nostram omnium expectationem indesineiiter ^
impetant. Hujusmodi iniquissimis rationibus Eusebiua
scribit Coustantinum, pietate et prudentia praecellentem
imperatorem, ab Athanasii invidis et malevolis ita circom-
ventum esse, ut sanctissimum ilium patrem et fbrtissimiim
orthodoxae fidei propugnatorem, tanquam hominem pn^- n
fraetum et contumacem, cum incredibili christianae reli-
gionis detrimento, et dignitate privarit, et in exilium
projecerit. Sed prospiciet, ut speramus, benignus Dens
ecclcsiae, nee patietur illo, qui corda regum habet in
manu sua, ut singularis tua pietas adversariorum inju9-3o
tissimis querelis abducatur in odium uostri. Non dubi-
tamus quin ex omnibus ordinibus subditos habeas fide et
eximia pietate pncstantes, quibus vita etiam sine tua
majestate ingrata videbitur. Ilabes tamen proeuldubio
non paucos, qui licet bonorum civium commendationem 15
studiose aucupentur, sine te se vivere posse sperant et
^5^o.] pro r^gtauraiume Edm. ChrindaU. 891
fortassis etiam expectant. Sed nos, quos ecclesbe guber-
nationi praefecisti, cum a tua majestate disceseerimuSy
nihil habemus humanum, quod speremus vel ad unum
diem posse imminentem cervicibus et capitibus nostris
5 calamitatem avertere. Dementes igitur essemus et Tehe-
menter stupidi, addimus etiam impii et scelemti, si non
omni cura, diligentia, studio, pietate salutem tuam et in-
columitatem complecteremur. Errare poterimu8» et labi,
et labimur frequenter onmes (homines enim sumus) sed
locujusmodi animos geramus erga tuam majestatem et
regni tui tranquillitatem, iUe solus novit^ qui preceB
nostras et gemitus audit quotidie ipBius misericordiam
implorantium, ut te nobis diu consenret piam, propitianiy
et benignam principem. Sed aequo longius yidemus no8
15 provectos et celsitudini tue nimium molestos* Quod w*
liquum est, hoc unum enize precamur, ut quae semper
vel in graviter delinquentes mitissimfle principis laudem
consecuta sis, ne velis nunc commotior aut iratior Tideri
in praeconem illius Christi, qui et initio tuam innooentiam
20 contra hostium tuorum conatus protexit» et in amplissimi
regni solio positam cum immortali tui nominis gloria
ecclesiae suae nutricem et patronam constituit, et const!-'
tutam mirabiliter tuetur et servat, potentisdmisque a4Tor-
sariis etiam virginem formidabilrai reddit. SingulaiiB
95hujus beneficii memoriam si grato animo ut hactenus
et pietatis officiis complecteris, non dubium quin idem
Deus tuam majestatem et tuis et hide reipublicae et suae
gloriae diu incolumem conservabit : quod nos etiam Totis
ardentissimis precamur.
30 TtuB majestatis observantissimi episcopi pramneia
London. Winton. Elien. Hereford.
Lichfeld. Meneyensis. Petriburgensis.
Lincoln. Norwicensis. Sarum.
35 Wigom. Roflfensis.
Has literas Lincolniensis episcopus tradidit reginae*
c c 4
392 The form of abjuralwn for th« /(UmI^ of love. [XCII.
XCII.
Archiepiac Cant. Anno Christi Reg. AngUaB
£dm. Orindall 5. 1580. Elizab. ai.
Thef(yi*m of abjuration tendered to those of the family of
love, — Fuller's Eccles. Hist. 1. IX. pag. 113.
\1/^H0S0EVER teacheth, that the dead, which are
fallen asleep in the Lord, rise up in this day of his
The form of abjuration] This form of abjuration wiD be better under-
stood on a comparison with the following passage from Hooker, EIccl.
Pol. Pref. p. 184. " When they of ' the feunily of love* have it once 5
in their heads that Christ doth not signify any one person, but a quality
whereof many are partakers ; that to be ' raised' is nothing else but to
be regenerated, or endued with the said quality ; and that when sepa-
ration of them which have it, from them which have it not, is here
made, this is ' judgment ;' how plainly do they imagine that the scrip- 10
ture every where speaketh in the favour of that sect ?" Comp. Keble's
note. See No. XCIV. Strype, Ann. vol. ii. P. i . p. 556. Whitg. vol. i.
p. 421. Collier, vol. ii. p. 569.
** The false prophet H. N. [Henry Nicholas] the most illuininated
father of * the family of love,' counterfeiting the imitation of the pro- 15
phet of God in this place (Isai. Ixii. i.) doth take upon him to tell the
world of a far greater captivity, not of 70 years, but of more than a
thousand and five hundred years ; that is, ever since the apostles' times.
Wherein (saith he) ' darkness of error hath overshadowed the earth ;
the light of life hath been made unknown ; and the truth hath been hid, 30
as under the mask of popery, until this day of love.' He tumeth
the whole doctrine of our salvation into a vain mystery, and an allego-
rical conceit of his own ; leaving the church no mediator at all, besides
himself. He hath framed a platform or new kingdom and gospel of his
own invention, bearing this title ; Evangelium regni Dei. Into this 15
kingdom as Vice-gerents, he hath brought, for our ministers, his * Se-
niores sanctse intelligcntise, Patres familiae Christi ;' and for our arch-
bishops and bishops, his ' Primates,' his ' Seniores parentes,' and I know
not how many illuminated and deified governors." Bancroft's Surrey, 30
&c. p. 2.
1580.] A letter abwU ikoBe tkai fM /rmn il^ dittr^. 898
judgment, and appear unto us in godly gloiy, which shall
henceforth live in us eyerlastingly with Christ, and reign
upon the earth, is a detestable heretic. Whosoever
teacheth, that to be bom of the Virgin Mary out of the
5 seed of David, after the flesh, is to be expounded of the
piu^ doctrine out of the seed of love, is a detestable he*
retic. Whosoever teacheth, that Jesus Christ is come
unto us according to his promise, to the end that all they
which love God and his righteousness, and Christ and
10 perfect being, might presently enter into true rest, which
God has prepared from the beginning for his elect, and
inherit the everlasting life, is a detestable heretic.
XCIIL
Archiepiac. Cant Anno Chmtl tLeg. Ang^
Edm. Orindall 5. 1580. Blieab. 99.
The councils letter to the archbishop about those thatfeU
off from the church of England. Stiype's life of Grin-
dall, p. 254.
A FTER our hearty commendations. Whereas the queen
-^■^ hath been informed that divers persons within the
15 province of Canterbury, both of the common and better
sort, who of late time have been conformable to the laws
of this realm concerning religion, are now fiJlen away,
and have withdrawn themselves from coming to church,
to the evil example of other her majesty's good subjects,
20 and to the great offence of her highness, who doth not a
little marvel by what means this relapse should happen ;
having delivered sufficient authority unto your lordship,
and others joined unto you by virtue of her commission
The councWs letter'] Strype, Grind, p. 377. CdDier, voL ii. p. 57 1 .
394 A letter about those that fell qff [XCIII.
ecclesiastical, warranted by the laws of this realms
whereby you might at all times have repressed the inso-
lency, and corrected the disobediency of such, as therein
should have presumed to offend, if such care and Yigilance
had been used within your charge, as appertaineth. Her 5
highness's pleasure therefore is, that for the present le-
forming and punishing those that have, and do herein
disobey the laws, you give order to have them forthwith
convented before such, as do attend the execution of her
majesty's high commission, and proceeded withal accord- m
ing to the direction of the said high commission. And
first, that consideration being had of such as haye been
heretofore convented before the high commissioners, in
what terras they stand for their conformity; how many of
them are at liberty, and in what sort, and how many do 15
remain committed, and where ; and such of them as shall
be found at liberty, and do continue obstinate, to be
returned to prison, and such further order to be taken
with them and the rest, as is prescribed in the said com-
mission. And for as much as a great deal of the cornip- «q
tion in religion, grown throughout the realm, proceedeth
of lewd schoolmasters, that teach and instruct children,
as well publicly as privately in men's houses, infecting
eachwhere the youth, without regard had thereunto (a
matter of no small moment, and chiefly to be looked into 15
by every bishop within his diocese) it is thought meet for
redress thereof, that you cause all such schoolmasters, as
have charge of children, and do instruct them either in
public schools or in private houses, to be by the bishop of
the diocese, or such as he shall appoint, examined touch- 30
ing their religion. And if any shall be found corrupt and
unworthy, to be displaced, and proceeded withall, as
other recusants, and fit and sound persons placed in their
rooms.
And to the end her majesty may understand, what is
shall be from time to time done in the execution of the
1580.] from the church 0/ England. 805
said commission, to give order, that certificate be made of
the proceedings in the said commission unto us of her
majesty's privy coimcil; wherein not doubting but you
will answer her majesty's good expectation, according to
5 the trust reposed in you, we bid your lordship heartily
fBurewell. From the court at Nonsuch 18 June, h.d.lxxx.
In obedience to which, the archbishop issued out his
mandate to his officers June the 81. to make diligent
inquisition throughout his diocese of the contents of the
10 council's letters. And for the more effectual doing where-
of he sent withal articles of inquiry enclosed, which were
as follow.
Inprimis, Diligently to inquire, what persons within
your parish or charge, of what degree or calling soever
15 they be, 'do absent themselves from their parish church
upon pretence of conscience or religion ; and how long
they have so done.
II. Item, What persons have of late absented them^
selves from their parish church upon contempt or pre-
40 tence aforesaid, that heretofore resorted thereunto.
III. Item, What persons do you know within your
parish, that have been heretofore convented before the
queen's majesty's high commissioners for causes eocleoaa-
tical, for religion, and especially for not coming to churchy
35 that are at liberty, and yet have not conformed them-
selves ?
IV. Item, What schoolmasters are within your parish,
and what their names are, that teach publicly or priP
vately within any man's house within your parish, of
30 what state, calling, or condition soever he or they be, in
whose house or houses any such schoolmaster or teacher is?
V. Item, Whether any such schoolmaster, or school-
masters, is reported, known or suspected to be backward
in the religion now established by the laws of this realm,
35 that are thought any way to be secret hinderers thereof?
396 A proclamation against the seetariei [XCIV.
XCIV.
ArchJepisc Cant. Anno Christi R^. Angliie
Edm. Grivdall ,1;. 1580. Elizab. 22.
A proclamation against the sectaries of the Family ofLote.
By the qtieen.
TIT'HEREAS by report of sundry of the bishops of
this realm, and others, having cure of souls, the
queen's majesty is informed, that in sundry places of her
said realm, in their several dioceses, there are certain per-
sons who do secretly in comers make privy assemblies of 5
divers simple unlearned people, and after they have
A proclamation] See No. XCII. The sect which called itself " the
femnily of love*' had attracted notice in the year 1575. but not in aocfa a
manner as to call for direct coercion. An Apology was published for
them, from which it might be inferred that they then possessed no dis- to
tinct opinions, but merely bound themselves to a more exalted interpre-
tation of Christian duties, on the principle of imitating the great lore of
Grod manifested in their creation and redemption. This principle, un-
restrained by any confession of faith or system of discipline, natarally
attracted to it the enthusiastic and irreg^ar spirits, that were at that 15
time so prevalent ; and the sect itself became the receptacle for every
variety of opinion and disorder, exposing itself to more particular notice,
from its contempt for outward observances, and its opposition to the
civil government. The " Evangelium Regni" of Henry Nicholas, who
was acknowledged as the founder of the sect, is written in such a man- so
ner as to embrace all religious persuasions, and permits aU parties to
hold whatever sentiments they please, if they merely declare themselves
to belong to the family of love. " Omnes vos o amatores veritatis, qui
amabilem vitam charitatis diligitis, vocamini et invitamini." (cap. 41.)
" Omnes peribunt, qui extra Christum, scu extra communionem chari- 15
tatis manent." (Ibid.) A " Confutation*' of this sect was w ritten in the
year 1579, the privy council called upon the convocation of the year
1580 to notice t and the queen issued her proclamation against it ; but
1580.] of the famUy of hw^ 9SI7
craftily and hypocriticallj allured them to esteem them
to be more holy and perfect men than others are, they do
then teach them damnable heresies, directly contrary to
divers of the principal articles of our belief and Christian
5 faith, and in some parts so absurd and £Euiatical, as by
feigning to themselves a monstrous new kind of speech
never found in the scriptures, nor in ancient &ther or
writer of Christ's church, by which they do move ignorant
and simple people at the first rather to marvel at them,
10 than to understand them ; but yet to colour their sect
withal, they name themselves to be of the Family of
Love, and then as many as shall be allowed by them to
be of that family, to be elect and saved, and all others, of
what church soever they be, to be rejected and damned.
15 And for that upon conventing of some of them before the
bishops and ordinaries, it is found that the ground of their
it was so congemal with many of the qualities of our iuitttre» and bo
closely connected with the general temper of those times, that we find
it still described in publications of the year 1641, and continuing mider
90 the same name, with its preachers and congregations, m the year 1645.
Bp. Coop» said of the sect in 1589 (Admonition &e. p. 146) : " That
peevish faction of ' the families of love' which have been breeding
in this realm the space of these 30 years, and now npon confidence at
the disgracing of the state of bishops and other ecdeaastical govemoray
25 have put their heads out of the shell, and of late years have shewed
themselves even in the prince's court." Fuller (Ch. Hist. Cent. 1 7.
b. 1 o. p. 33), says that in his time they had obtained the name at
Ranters ; and Leslie (Works, vol. ii. p. 609) considers the sect identkad
with that of the Quakers, and gives the following evidence : " I have
30 now before me the works (or part of them) of Henry Nidxoilaa, the
father of ' the family of love ;' they were given to a friend of mine by
a Quaker, with this encomium, that he bdieved he would not find
one word amiss, or one superfluous, in the whole book, and com*
mended it as an excellent piece. . • . Though he directs it ' To the
35 family of love,' yet an ignorant Quaker might take that for his own
family, and apply it to the Quakers." Strype, Ann. vol. ii. ?• i. p. 556*
vol. ii. P. ii. p. 382. Grrind. 383. Neal's Purit. vd. i. p. 13 a. Collier,
vol. ii. p. 687. Description of the Sect &c. (BodL C. 13, 14. Line.)
398 A proclamation apaingi the sectaries [XCIV.
sect is maintained by certain lewd, heretical, and seditious
books, first made in the Dutch tongue, and lately trans-
lated into English, and printed beyond the seas, and
secretly brought over into the realm, the author whereof
they name H. N. without yielding to him upon their *
examination any other name, in whose name they have
certainly books set forth, called, " Evangelium regni, or a
joyftil message of the kingdom, documental sentences, the
prophecy of the spirit of love, a publishing of peace upon
the earth," and such like. And considering also it is"*
found, that these sectaries hold opinion, that they may
before any magistrate ecclesiastical or temporal, or any
other person not being professed to be of their sect,
(which they term the " Family of Love**) by oath or
otherwise deny any thing for their advantage, so as though '5
many of them are well known to be teachers and spread-
ers abroad of these dangerous and damnable sects, yet by
their own confession they cannot be condemned, whereby
they are more dangerous in any Christian realm; therefore
her majesty being very sorry to see so great an evil by »
the malice of the devil first begun and practised in othar
countries, to be now brought into this her realm, and
that by her bishops and ordinaries she understandeth it
very requisite, not only to have these dangerous heretics
and sectaries to be severely punished, but that also all n
other means be used by her majesty's royal authority,
which is given her of God to defend Christ's church, to
root them out from further infecting of her realm ; she
hath thought meet and convenient, and so by this her
proclamation she willeth and commandeth, that all her 30
oflScers and ministers temporal, shall in all their several
vocations, assist the archbishops of her realm, and all
other persons ecclesiastical, having cure of souls, to
search out all persons duly suspected to be either teachers
or professors of the foresaid damnable sects, and by all 35
good moans to jiroceed severely against them, being found
J5^^^] o/th6/€mUy of lave. 990
culpable, by order of the laws either ecclesiastical or
temporal ; and that also search may be made in all places
suspected for the books and writings maintaining the said
heresies and sects, and them to destroy and bton. And
5 wheresoever such books shall be found after the publica-
tion hereof, in custody of any person, other than such
as the ordinaries shall permit, to the intent to peruse the
same for confutation thereof, the same persons to* be
attached and committed to close prison, ther^ to remain,
>o or otherwise by law to be condemned, until the same
shall be purged and cleared of the same heresies, or shall
recant the same, and be thought meet by the ordinary of
the place to be delivered. And that whosoever in this
realm shall either print, or bring, or cause to be brought
'5 into this realm any of the said books, the same parsons to
be attached and committed to prison, and to receive such
bodily punishment and other mulct as fieuitois of damna-
ble heresies. And to the execution heieof her nuyegty
chargeth all her officers, and ministers, both ecclesiastical
^ and temporal, to have special regard, as they will answer
not only afore Grod, whose glory and truth is by these
damnable sects greatly sought to be defaced ; but also
will avoid her majesty's indignation, which in such cases
as these are, they ought not to escape, if they shall be
^5 found negligent and careless in the execution of their
authorities. Given at our manor of Richmond the
third of October, in the two and twentieth year of
our reign.
God save the queen*.
400 The eoundTs letter about reeiuanti. [XCV.
xcv.
Archiepisc. Cant. Anno ChriRti R^. Angtis
£dm. Grindall 6. 158 1. Elisab. 23.
The couneWs letter to the archbishop about recusants.
With tlie archbishop's directions of inqtdrtf far recur^
sants. Strype's Life of Grindall, p, 264.
A FTER our right hearty commendations unto your s
lordship. Whereas in the last sessions of parlia-
ment there was upon good and advised deliberation by
The counciVs letter] The statute 23 EHiz. c i, (an. 158^) (entitled
an act to retain the queen's majesty's subjects in their due obedience),
which gave occasion to this order of council, was itself occasioned by '^
the great exertions now made by the Romanists, by the encourage-
ment they gave to insurgents, and by the hostile proceedings of foreign
courts. In the year 1579 the well-known Jesuits Campion and Fur-
sons arrived in England at the head of a mission, which was i^pointed
to publish books and send forth emissaries throughout the kingdom. 15
but w^ith the more specific object of inducing the Romamsts to carry
the bull of pope Pius V. into effect. That their endeavours were
attended with great success is evident from lord Burghley's tract
entitled, '* Execution of Justice in flngland for treason and not for
religion," and from the confession of one Hart which is contained in m
it, and which probably formed one of the principal reasons for the
severe statute, above noticed, of the ensuing parliament. Campion
was executed Dec. 1. 1581, and Parsons soon afterwards escaped to
the continent. A letter addressed by him to cardinal Allen, in which he
gave some account of his mission and of the state of afiairs in England, 15
may be seen in Strypc, Ann. vol. iii. P. 2. p. 418. Comp. Strype,
Ann. vol. ii. P. 2. p. 352. Parker, vol. ii. p. 165. Whitg. vol. i.
p. 180. Wood, Ath. Oxon. vol. i. p. 474. vol. ii. p. 63. Collier, vol. ii.
p. 569, &c. Hallam, Const. Hist. vol. i. pp. 154. 157. Lingard, vol. ▼.
p. 380. JO
It appears that within five years after the establishment of the
EngUsh college at Douay in 1569, Dr. Allen, its founder, sent nearly
a hundred missionaries into England. Ling^d, vol. v. p. 375.
158 1.] Archhishop Grindairs inquiry, 401
her majesty, with the common consent of the whole
realm, a certain act made for the retaining of such her
majesty's subjects in their due obedience, as abusing her
highness's former goodness and lenity refused to conform
5 themselves in matters of religion, especially for coming
to the church, according to the law ; forasmuch as the
execution of the said statute was thought most needfiil
for the assurance and safety of her majesty's person, and
this realm, and the preventing of such mischiefs and in-
10 conveniencies as otherwise might happen, if every one
might be suifered to do what him listed ; her majesty
being very desirous to see all her subjects truly united
in one consent and uniformity of religion, according to
the laws of the realm, for the better service of Almighty
15 God, and quietness of this realm, hath willed us to re-
quire your lordship, forthwith upon the receipt hereof, to
make, or cause to be made diligent search and inquiry, as
well according to your former certificates of recusants,
as by other the best means, that you can, what persons
20 there be within your diocese, which do at this present
refuse to come to the church, and to conform themselves
according to the said statute. And finding any such,
you shall do well by conference with some learned and
other godly disposed persons to admonish them and by
25 instructions to persuade them to come to the church,
and to behave themselves, as by the said law is re-
quired.
And in case any shall refuse so to do, then to take,
or cause to be taken vntness in writing both of the wam-
30 ing so given, and their refusal, under the hands of the
parson or curate, or other honest persons, which we pray
you fn every shire within your diocese to prefer unto
the " Gustos rotulorum," and to the justices of the peace
at the next sessions ; so as the said persons may be in-
35 dieted and ordered, as by the same law is appointed.
VOL. I. D d
402 The camcirs letter aiaut reauanU. [XCV.
And generally we pray you, to have a good regard to
the execution of the rest of the branches of the said act
touching reconcilers, sayers, and hearers of mass, school-
masters, and other like matters appertaining to your
pastoral duty and charge. So as there may be no re- 5
missness or negligence found in you, as you will answer
the same before Almighty God and her highness, who
expecteth a good account at your hands and your
brethren's in these things. And so heartily praying you,
that hereof there be no default, and from time to time le
advertise us of your proceedings, we bid your lordship
heartily farewell. From Whitehall the 28th of May,
MDLXXXI.
Tho. Bromely, cane. R. Leicester.
W. Burghley. Fr. Knollys. ,5
E. Lincohi. Jam. Croflbes.
T. Sussex. Fra. Walsingham.
F. Bedford.
In obedience to tliese orders, the archbishop dis-
patched his letters to his officers of the diocese with*
the copy of the council's letter, and several articles
whereupon they should proceed.
The articks were these:
I. First, You shall make inquiry, as well according to
the former certificate heretofore made of recusants, as by «5
other the best means you can, what persond above the
age of sixteen years at this present, do refuse to come to
the church, and to conform themselves according to the
statute made in the last session of jmrliament. Whra
any such recusants are by inquisition known and found, 3»
you shall use conference with them, and every of them.
And joining to you therein some learned, and other
158 1.] Archbishop GrindalTs directions of %%yiwry. 408
godly disposed persons, you shall admonish, instruct, and
persuade them, to repair to the church, and there to be^
have themselves, as by the said statute is required.
II. Item, If any such person, after warning given,
5 shall refiise so to do, then you shall take two witnesses
thereof at the least, and cause the warning and refusal
to be written ; and the same being written to be sub-
scribed by the said witnesses, and by the parson, vicar,
and curates of that ])arish, where such recusant at the
ro time of the refiisal and warning shall happen to dwelL
III. Item, You shall send, or cause to be sent the
same writing, in good and plain form, to the ^ Gustos
rotulorum,'' and justices of peace of that shire, where the
persons recusants have their dwelling at the time of the
15 warning and refusal, at the next sessions ; that the said
obstinate persons may be there indicted and ordered, as
by the said statute is appointed.
IV. Item, You shall also inquire, whether since the
end of the last parliament, any person or persons vrithin
«o my diocese have gone about or practised to move, vrith-
draw, or persuade any her majesty's subjects within your
diocese or charge from their natural obedience to her
majesty, or from the religion now by her highness's
authority established within her majesty's dominions, to
^5 obey or to be reconciled to the usurped authority of the
bishop of Rome, or to the Romish religion, or to profess
any obedience to any pretended authority of the see of
Rome, or of any other prince, state, or potentate.
V. Item, You shall inquire whether any persons
30 within your diocese, after the end of the said last
sessions of parliament, have been willingly reconciled,
absolved, or withdrawn as aforesaid, or have promised
any obedience to any such pretended authority, prince,
state, or potentate, as is aforesaid.
35 VI. Item, You shall inquire, whether since the said
time, any person have said or sung mass within your
D d S
404 ArMisIiop WhUgifCs articles [XCVI.
diocese; and also whether any person hath, since the
said time, willingly heard mass sung or said.
VII. Item, You shall inquire, whether any school-
master of suspected religion, or that is not licensed to
teach hy the bishop, or ordinary, doth teach in any 5
public or private place within this diocese.
XCVI.
Archiepisc Cant. Anno Clmsti Reg. Anglue
Jon. WniToiFT I. 15^3* Elfzab. 35.
The archbishop's letter with articles for good order in
churches. — Reg. I. Whitgift, fol. 90. b.
A FTER my harty commendations unto your lordship.
Where of late, by the advice as well of your lord-
7%« archbishop's letter] Whitgift was confinned as archbishop of
Canterbury on the 23 rd of September 1583, and immediately adopted lo
vigorous measures against the puritans, being induced to do so as mnch
by the energy of his own character, as by the disorders which had
grown up during the disgrace of his predecessor. It is worthy of re-
mark that in this letter the archbishop's precautions seem to have been
taken exclusively against the puritans ; and this is perfectly in accord- 15
ance with the views he must have formed from the nature of his great
controversy with Cartwright, with the general bearing of his chanKter
on the subject of church government, and with the important place
that he occupied in the confidence of the queen. It is probable that
lord Bacon was referring to the change which had gradually been pro- to
duced in the sentiments of the archbishop by the progress of contro-
versy, when a few years afterwards he made the following remaiks :
" The other part which maintaineth the present government of the
church hath not kept one tenor neither. First, those ceremonies whidi
were pretended to be corrupt, they maintained to be things indifbrent, H
and opposed the examples of the good times of the church to that chal-
lenge winch was made unto them, because they were used in the later
superstitious times. Then were they also content mildly to acioiow-
ledge many imperfections in the church, as tares come np amongat tibe
1 583.] for good order in chur^mi 405
ship, as certajne others of my brethren the bushops of
my province, I have set down certayne articles for good
orders to be observed in the church of England, the true
copy thereof I have sent herewith unto your lordship ;
5 wherunto it hath pleased her majestie of her princely
clemency to yeald her most gracious consent and allow-
ance, to the intent the said articles may take the better
effect throughout my province ; I have thought good to
pray and require your lordship, that with such convenient
10 speed as you may, you transmitte a true copy of the said
articles, together with the tenor of thes my letters, to
every one of my brethren, the bishopes of my province ;
willing and requiring them, and every of them, vrith such
care and diligence, as appertayneth, to cause the same
15 articles effectually to be put in execution in every of their
several diocesses and jurisdictions. And because I am
desirous to know the state of the clergy of my province^
that I may be the better furnished to goveme the same,
I have thought good to pray your lordship, to send unto
ao me a cataloge of the names of aU the ecclesiastical! per-
sons within your diocess, with signification of their bene-
fices, promotions, degrees of schole, and of the confonilitie
of every of them to the lawes and orders, anie way entSp
blished by her migestie, and to require my brethren to do
35 the like in their severall diocesses, and to certifie your
lordship as well thereof, as also how these articles aie
put in due execution, that I thereupon may receive certi-
ficate of all from your lordship. And so I conmiend your
lordship to the grace of God. From my house at Lcam-
30 beth this 19th of October, MDLXXxm.
com, which yet, according to the wisdom taught by our Saviour, were
not with strife to be pulled up, lest it might spoil and supplant the
good corn, but to grow on together till the harvest. After they grew
to a more absolute defence and maintenance of aU the orders of the
church, and stiffly to hold that nothing was to be innovated, partly be*
35 cause it needed not, partly because it would make a breach iqpon the
rest." Works, vol. ii, p. 514.
DdS
406 ArchbUhap Whit^iffs articles ^c. [XCVL
First, That every minister in his cure, the first Sonday
of every month, give warning openly in the church, to
such as be of his parish, of what state soever they be, to
repayre to their parish church in such sorte, as by the
lawes of this realm is appointed, upon pain to be pre- 5
sented for the same.
Item, That the ministers and churchwardens of all
parishes do diligently from tyme to tyme observe, what
they are that come not to the church accordingly, but
forbear the same by the space of a month, contrary to 10
a statute made in the last session of the parliament.
Item, That the said ministers and churchwardens doe,
under their handcs and scales, present to the ordinarie, or
to some such as he shall assigne, what they are that do
other\\ise, and this to be done every quarter, videlicet, 15
fourteen days before each session and assises, that the
ordinary upon such certificat may offer the same to the
justices at the said assises and sessions, that the parties
may be there indyted according to the statute.
Item, If the ordinarie shall perceave that either byso
slackness of the justices, or waywardnes of Juries, they
cannott be endyted according to the statute, that then the
ordinary shall convent the said persons offending, and if
they shall refuse to conform themselves, to denounce
them excommunicated, and if they stand in the excom- 15
munication by the space of forty dayes, to procure the
writt '* De excommunicato capiendo" against them.
bMtp
XCVII.
Archiepiflc. Cant. Anno Chriiti Reg. Angtt»
Jou. Whitoift I. 1583. Eluab. 96.
Archbishop's letter to the bishop of London about the same.
Ibid. fol. 91. a,
A FTER my very hartie commendations to your good
lordship. I have herein sent to your good lordship
inclosed the copy of such articles as the lords, and others
of the queues majesties most honorable privy counsayle
5 have lately recommended to me, wherewith I have
already made your lordship, and some others of my bre*
thren acquainted, that were conveniently to be hadd, and
to be conferred withall, and have thoght good to pzaj
Archbishop's letter] The preceding lettei^ (No. XCVI.) shews the obi-
10 jects to which the vigilance of the archbishop and Ids brother prelates
was directed ; this letter points out the fears and jealousies of tba
council; the former considering the puritans as the most dangercras as-
sailants of the church; the latter treating the Romanists as more
formidable enemies, and the church itself as deserving of much censnrQ.
15 It appears that the vigorous measures of the archbishop had oocasioiied
several petitions to be presented to the council, and that he had re-
ceived letters from them urging him to put a more charitable con-
struction on the scruples of the non-conformists. Tlie complaints
connected with pluralities and the incompetency of ministers had been
ao brought before the house of commons by Mr. Strickland in the year
157 1, and had been subsequently repeated in that house in defiance of
the strict prohibition of the queen: the grievances connected with
penance and excommunication had been brought before tlie notice of
convocation by archbishop Grindal in the year 1580, with a view to an
25 application being made to parliament for a law upon the subject : and
the council doubtless foresaw the hostile attempts which would be
made upon the church in the parliament of 1584, and were desirous of
removing some of the most palpable grounds of complaint. Strype,
Grind, p. 384. Ann. vol. ii. P. 1. p. 93. voLiii. P. i. p. 339. Whitg.
30 vol. i. p. 349. Collier, vol. ii. p. 585. Neal's Purit. voLi. p. 260. HaDam^
vol. i. p. 335.
D d 4
408 ArMish(>pW/iitstiJi'8 letter to the Inihop of Limdan. [XCVII.
your good lordshij), with all convenient spede to sende
coj)ie8 thereof to all the bisshopes of this province, and to
require them, in my name, by your severall letters missive,
to make diligent inquisition of every such of the said
articles, M'hose nature doth so require, and to certifie me 5
speedily the trath, and what they shall find in every of
them, and see the two last articles for commutation of
penance, and setting up of the table for the fees, being
rather executive then inquirable, to be carefully put in
execution m ithin their severall charge ; not doubtinge^ lo
but that your good lordship alsoe, within your own
dioces, will inquire, execute, and make certificat to me,
as it doth api)ertayne, and before this tyme. I hartelie
committ your lordship to the grace and direction of the
Ilolie Ghoste. From Lambeth this 12th of December >5
MDLXXXIII.
First, A general examination to be taken by the bishop
in his ])rovince, of all the schoolmasters, as well public as
private, with order that such as be unsound may be re-
moved, according to the statute in that behalf provided. »
Secondly, Inquyrie to be made how the children of the
recusants be brought up, and how many within their
several diocesses, as well recusants as others, have their
children beyond the seas.
Thirdly, What number of prechers each bisshop hath h
within his diocese, and how many of them resident.
Fourthlie, AVliat lyvings there are within their said
dioceses fit for preachers, and whose gjrfte, and how nowe
furnished.
Fiftlio, What ministers have been made by the bishops 30
in the said province, since the ^thirteenth of her majesties
A thirteenth of her majesties reigne] Referring to the Stat. 13 EHiz.c. i a,
which enjoins subscription to the Thirty-nine Articles, together with tlie
()])l^er^'ance of other rules, previously to ordination. See also the pro*
roedings of tlic convocation in that year. Wilkins, Cone. vol. iv, p. 263. ^
1583.] ArekiepUc. Cani. eommism iuffiraganMO D&wr. 409
reigne ; and whether they haTe been qualified, as is pre-
scribed by the statutes.
Sixthly, That such as are found to be insufficient, and
of scandalouse life, to be removed, and care hereafter to be
s usid, that none of the like insufficiency be made.
Seventhly, That such pluralistes as are preachers, and
have lyvinges in the infected countreys, may be ordered to
reside upon the same for a season.
That his lordship, upon conference with some lemd in
'<> the civil law, set down, and put in practise some way to
redress the abuses of excommunication for light causes^
according as was moved in the last parliament.
That his lordship likewise take order for reformation
of abuses in the commutations of penance.
>5 Last of all, That the excessive charges in visitations^
both of bishops and archdeacons, may be abated, and
such fees only, as by law and reason are due, to be set
downe in a table to be hanged up in every cfauieh,
wherein the severall archdeacon and judicial courts are in
20 every diocese, to the end that men may know, what thej
ought to paye, and no greater fees to be either enacted,
or payed by anie.
XCVIII.
Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Chrifti B^. AogMa
JoH. Whitgift I. i5^5« Elxsab. 26.
Archiepiscopi Cantuar. commisHo siffraganeo Dowr,^^
Reg. J. Whitgifl, fol. 91. b.
TOHANNES, divina providentia Cant, archiepiscopus,
^ totius Angliffi primas et metropolitanus, dilecto nobis
35 in Christo venerabili confratri nostro Richardo Rogers,
Archiepiscopi Cantuar,'] Strype» Whitg. vol, i. p. 263. Yol.iii. p. 69.
410 Archi^pise. Cani. commissio sujjhiffaneo Doc^ [XCVIII.
episcopo suffraganeo sedis Dovor. nostrae Cant, dioeceseos,
salutem et frateniam in Domino charitatem. Ad cate-
chisand. et confirmand. ])uero8 quorumcunque subditor.
utriusque sexus nostrae dioec. et provinciae Cant, ac juris-
dictionum peculiarium, et immediatarum nostrarum, ets
ecclesiae nostrae cathcdralis et metroi)oliticae Christi Cant,
juxta niorein ct ritum modenios ecclesiae Anglicanae, in
ea parte nie et salubriter edit, et ordinat. necnon sacros
diaconatus, presbyteratus ordines, quibuscunqiie snbditis
nostrae dioec. ]irovinciae Cant, et aliis i>er8onis, literas di- lo
missorias suorum dioecesanorum, et titulos sufiieientes
exhibentibus, si eos habiles et idoneos tarn moribus et
setate, quam etiani literatura inveneris, super quibus con-
scientiam tuani coram altissimo oneramus, nullumque
aliud legitimum ois in ea parte obsistat impedimentum, 15
juxta et secundum morem et ritum ecclesiae An^icanae,
in ea i)arte \ne et salubriter ordinat. et sancitum con-
ferend. ipsosque et eomm quemlibet, ad hujusmodi sacroe
ordinos admittend. et promovend. caeteraque omnia et
singula alia ad officium pontiiicale in praomissis, vel aliquo m
praemissonim spectan. et pertinen. et quae in ea parte ne-
ccssaria fiiorint, sen quomodolibet requisita, fratemitati
vestnr vices nostras com mittimus et plenam in Domino
tenore praesentium concedimus facultatem. In cujus rei
testimonium sigillum praesentibus apponi fecimus. Datas
in manerio nostro de Lambehith undecimo die mensis
Deccmbris, anno Domini i^idlxxxiii. et nostrae transla-
tionis anno prime.
1584-] Arehbiikcp WMtffi/F$ artidm, 4% *11
XCIX.
Archiepisc. Cant. Anno Chrisd Reg. Angliae
JoH. Whitoift 2. 1584. Elizab. 17.
Articles touching preachers and other orders far the chunA»
Reg. I. Whitgift, fol. 97. a.
I. T^HAT the laws late made against the recusants
be put in more due execution, considering the
Articles touching prewkera] The publication of these memorable
articles forms an important epoch in the history of die chmrch. Stroxig
^ and rigorous in themselves, they appeared to be still more so, on ac-
count of the contrast they presented to the relaxed state of discipline
during the suspension of archbishop Grindal; and they met with a
degree of opposition which a prelate of less commanding ability tliaii
Whitgift could not have overcome. But they were not by any means
lo new ; and had the government of the church gone on nnif<»inly dorini^
the time of archbishop Grindal, they would probably have created little
surprise and dissatisfioction, when they were issued by his successor.
The regulations respecting admission into orders had been generally
approved before, as, for instance, in the articles adopted by the con-
15 vocation of the year 1575 (Wilkins, Cone. vol. iv. p. 384) ; and even
the three articles which aU officiating ministers were required to biiIk-
scribe. and which formed die principal ground of offence, were some of
them already enjoined by law to be subscribed in given cases* and had
all of them been employed by the queen's commissioners as tests of
30 conformity. (Strype, Whitg. vol. i. p. 116. Parker, vol. ii, p. 350.
Neal, Purit. vol. i. p. 207.) But in the present instance they were
used by the archbishop on his own authority, and as a constant formula;
and though on the interposition of secretary Walsingham the sub-
scription appears soon afterwards to have been required from those only
35 who came for orders or institution, and not from the great body of the
officiating clerg}% the questions still remained, and were discussed with
much vehemence, whether the archbishop had not exceeded his powers
in requiring such a subscription without the direct warrant of the
crown, and whether the church was not endangered by the great
412 Archbithop Whitgi/f 8 articles touching [XCIX.
benefitt that hath grown unto the church therby, where
they have been so executed, and the encouragement
which they and others do receive by remisse executing
therof.
accession that was made to the numbers, the energy, and the con- 5
sistency of the non-conformists. On the former question he had the
indefinite nature of his jurisdiction, the known approbation of the
queen, the strong precedent of the Advertisements^ and above all the
force of his own reputation to support him; on the other he rested
securely on that undefined sense of danger which prevailed in the 10
kingdom generally, and which in every department both of church and
state called for the exercise of a vigorous and watchful government.
There was still another point on which the puritans complained of the
subscription thus required from them. The statute 13 £3iz. c. ii.
which ratified the thirty-nine articles, enacted (as the puritans main- '5
tained) that those articles, but those only, should be subscribed, which
concern the confession of the true Christian faith and the doctrine id
the sacraments ; and it is evident from the parUamentary history of the
year 1575 (see D'Ewes Journal) that it was intended to exclude the
articles connected with the authority and discipline of the church. It 20
had however gradually become the practice to require an unreserved
subscription, and the practice was now established by the orders oi the
archbishop ; for no such distinction respecting the articles had been
allowed in the canons of 157 1, and it was the queen's detenninatioD in
this as in all other questions affecting the churchy to rest on her own H
supremacy instead of the authority of parliament. But it is also worthy
of remark, that lord Coke, who was living and a lawyer at the time,
speaks of the statute 13 Eliz. c. 12. with reference to subscription, and
yet takes no notice of the alleged limitation in it ; and that he men-
tions the two subscriptions, the one required by the statute and the 29
one required by the canons, as if they were coordinate and coexten-
sive. (Instit. Part iv. p. 323.) The great difference which had
gradually arisen in the external condition of the church within the last
twenty years, may be clearly seen on comparing the artidea enjoined
for subscription by archbishop Whitgift with the corresponding sub- 35
scription required in the Advertisements of the year 1564. (No. LXV.)
The tliree articles, as is well known, were afterwards confirmed by
king James, and introduced into the canons of the year 1603. Strype.
Whitg. vol. i. p. 248. Ann. vol. iii. P. i. p. 319. Collier, vol. ii.
p. 584. Neal, Purit. vol. i. p. 260. Comp. Wood's Ann. anno 1589. 40
Hallam, Const. Hist. vol. i. p. 206. Lamb's Articles, p. 37.
^5^4-] preachers and other orders of the church. 41S
II. That all preaching, reading, catechisme, and other
such like exercises in private places and families, where-
unto others do resorte, being not of the same family, be
utterly inhibited, seing the same was never permitted as
5 lawful, under any Christian magistrate, but is a mani-
fest sign of schisme, and a cause of contention in the
church.
III. That none be permitted to preach, read, or cate-
chise in the church or elsewhere, unless he do, four times
'o in the year at the least, say service, and minister the
sacraments, according to the book of common prayer.
IV. That all preachers, and others in ecclesiastical or-
ders, do at all times wear, and use such kynde of apparel,
as is prescribed unto them by the book of advertisements,
»5 and her majesty's injunctions " anno prime."
V. That none be permitted to preach, or interpret
the scriptures, unless he be a priest, or deacon at the
least, admitted therunto according to the laws of this
realme.
20 VI. That none be permitted to preach, readei, cate-
chise, minister the sacraments, or to execute any other
ecclesiasticall function, by what authority soever he be
admitted therunto, unless he consent and subscribe to
these articles following, before the ordinary of the diocese,
25 wherin he preacheth, readeth, catechiseth, or ministreth
the sacraments, videlicet :
[I.] That her majestie, under God, hath and ought to
have the soveraigntie and rule over all manner of persons
born within her realmes, dominions, and countries, of
30 what estate, either ecclesiastical, or temporal soever they
be; and that no foreign power, prelate, state, or po-
tentate hath or ought to have any jurisdiction, power,
superioritie, preeminence, or authoritie ecclesiastical or
spiritual, within her majesties said realmes, dominions,
35 and countries.
[II.] That the book of dommon prayer, and of order-
414 Archbishop Whitffi/fs ariides Umdiing [XGIX.
ing bushops, prestes, and deacons, conteyneth nothing in
it contrary to the word of God, and that the same may
lawfully be used, and that he himself will use the forme
of the said book prescribed in public prayer, and admin-
istration of the sacraments, and none other. 5
[III.] That he alloweth the book of articles of religion,
agreed upon by the archbushops and bushops of both
provinces, and the whole clergy in the convocation holden
at London in the yere of our Lord God h.d.lxii. and set
forth by her majesties authority, and that he believeth all 10
the articles therin conteyned to be agreable to the
word of God,
VII. That from henceforth, none be admitted to any
orders ecclesiastical, unless ho do then presentlie shew to
the bishop a trew presentation of himself to a benefice 15
then void within the diocese or jurisdiction of the said
bishop, or unless he shew unto the same bushop a trew
certificate, where j)resently he may be placed to serve
some cure within the same diocese, or jurisdiction, or
unless he be placed in some cathedral or collegiate church, „
or colledge in Cambridge or Oxford, or unless the said
bushop shall then forthwith place him in some vacant be-
nefice or cure.
VIII. And that no busshop henceforth do admitt any
into orders, but such as shal be of his own diocese, unless 55
he be of one of the univei-sities, or bring his lettres
dimissories from the busshop of the diocesse, and be of age
fill twenty-four years, and a graduate of the university, or
at the least able in the Latin tongue to yealde an accompte
of his faith, according to the articles of religion agreed |b
upon in convocation, and that in such sorte, as that he
can note the sentences of scripture, wherupon the trath
of the said articles is grounded, and bring a sufficient tes-*
timonial with him of his honest life and conversation,
either under the seal of some colledge in the universities, ^
where he hath remayned, or from some justice of the
^5^3'] preachers and other orders of the church. 416
peace, with other honest men of that parish, where he
hath made his abode for three yeares before; and that
the bushop, which shall admitt any into orders, being not
in this manner qualified, be by the archbishop, with the
5 assistance of some one other bishop, suspended from admits
ting any into orders for the space of two yeares.
IX. And that no bushop institute any into a benefice,
but such as be of the habilitie before prescribed ; and if
the arches by double quarrell or otherwise proceade
lo against the said busshop, for refusal of such as be not of
that habilitie, that the archbusshop of Cant, either by his
own authoritie, or by meanes procured from her majestie,
may stay such proces, that the endeavor of the byshop
may take place.
15 X. Tliat one kinde of translation of the Bible be only
used in public service, as well in churches as chappells,
and that to be the same which is now authorized by the
consent of the bushops.
XI. That from henceforth ther be no commutation of
^o penance, but in rare respectes, and upon great consi-
deration, and when it shall appear to the busshop himself,
that that shall be the best way for wynning and reforming
of the offendor, and that the penalty be employed either
to the relief of the poor of that parish, or to other godly
25 uses, and the same well witnessed and made manifest to
the congregation ; and yet if the fault be notorious, that
the offendor make some satisfaction either in his own
person \vith declarations of his repentance openlie in the
church, or else that the minister of the church openlie in
30 the pulpitt signifie to his people his submission and decla-
ration of his repentance done before the ordinarie, and
also in token of his repentance what portion of mony he
hath given to be employed to the uses above named.
As persons of honest, worshipfull, and honorable call-
35 ing may necessarilie and reasonablie have occasions some-
times to solemnize marriage by licence for the banns
416 ArcMdfhap WAitpi/f 8 letter iauchinff preaden ^c. [XGIX.
asking or for once or twice wthout any great harm ; so
for avoiding generallie of inconveniences noted in this
behalf, yt is thought expediente, that no dispensations
be graunted for marriage without bannes, but under
sufficient and large bondes, with these conditions fol-5
lowing :
First, That there shall not afterwards appear any law-
full let or impediment by reason of any precontract, con-
sanguinitic, afiinitie, or any other lawful! meanes what-
soever. 10
Secondly, That ther be not at that presente tyme of
grauntinge such dispensation any suite, pleinte, querele,
or demand moved or depending before any judge eccle-
siastical or temporal for and concerning any such lawful
impediment betwene such the parties. And 15
Thirdly, They proceed not to the solemnization of the
marriage without the consent of parents or governors.
Lastly, That the marriage be openly solemnized in the
church. The copy of which bond is to be set down and
given in charge for every busshop in his diocese to follow ; »
provided that whosoever ofTendeth against this order, be
suspended ab executione officii for one half yeare.
1584O The hiahop^s answer to a boot o/artielet. 417
C.
Archiepisc. Caiit. Anno Christi Re^. Anglias
JoH. Whitoift 2. 1584. Elizab. 27.
A writiiig of the bishops in answer to the book of articles
offered the last sessions of parliament^ anno regin.
XXVII. for ecclesiastical causes^ concerning ministers,
eo'conimunication^ dispensations^ Sfc. — Strype's Annals»
vol. iii. App. p. 81.
I. Concerning ministers.
The first article.
nnHAT it may be enacted, that none be admitted to be
minister of the word and sacraments, but in a be-
5 nefice having cure of souls, then vacant in the diocese of
such a bishop as is to admit him.
A writing of the bishops] This paper is so described on the authority
of Strype, (Ann. vol. iii. P. i. p. 329,) who speaks of it thus : " I meet
with another answer at good length to those sixteen petitions, given
10 in by the bishops in general ; and seem to have been done at their con-
vocation ; which having not as yet seen the light, I can not omit to in-
sert this MS., being an important matter of the history of our church
at that time, when there was such a joint endeavour of many, eager
for another discipline to be brought in, and the former with the public
15 prayers and offices to be laid aside." But it is evident on a compa-
rison of this paper with the sixteen petitions drawn up by the house of
commons in the session of 1584-5, and presented by them to the house
of lords, that the statement of Strype is incorrect. The sixteen peti-
tions recommend many matters, such as the suspension of ministers
20 who are not of ability according to the statute, the prohibition of any
oath or subscription on ordination or institution except according to
statute, the allowing of omissions or changes of some portions or rites
in the Book of Common Prayer, the restoring of certain ministers sus-
pended for non- subscription, the forbearing of examinations ex officio
25 mero, and the permitting of exercises and conferences among the min-
isters of each archdeaconry; these matters were among the topics of
greatest interest and most frequent discussion at the time, but are alto-
VOL. I. E e
418 Tlte hi^kopi amxcer to the hook of [C.
A7iswer to the first article.
This cannot possibly be performed without altering the
whole state of the church of England. First because
there must be curates, and that of necessity. Secondly,
Because there are other ecclesiastical livings, which re-s
quire ministers of the word and sacraments, as well as
benefices with cure ; as deaneries, prebends, masterships,
and fellowships in the universities, and petty canons in
cathedral churches.
The article is grounded upon a false principle of T. C. w
(Thomas Cartwright) against ministers having no pas-
toral cure. Which neither he, nor any man else is able
to maintain either by the word of God, or ancient au-
thority. For by " Ministerium vagum," the old councils
and ca,nons did always understand such as were ordained 15
gether unnoticed in the paper before us. It is more probable then that
the articles propounded in the paper were drawn up at a sabseqnent
period, and in a form less likely to be rejected, the general wentimenta
of the bishops having already been ascertained from the answers to the
sixteen petitions which had been given by the two archbishops, and by ^
bishop Cooper. (Strype, Ann. vol. iii. P. i. p. 329.) They certainly
adopt more moderate views of change than the petitions of the com-
mons, not merely in omitting the matters noticed above, but also in ex-
pressing in a less objectionable manner the suggestions that are com-
mon to both documents. The petitions, for instance, pray that *' no >5
bishop shall ordain any minister of the word and sacraments but with
assistance of six other ministers at the least ;" the articles before us
are contented to recommend that " the bishop shall not make any min-
ister but such as shall be by the dean and chapter, or the more part of
them, or six learned preachers of the diocese then present, allowed for 50
a man meet and sufficient, by subscription of their hands to some writ-
ing, declaring their assent in allowing of him." It would appear then
that these articles were presented to the bishops by some party less ad-
verse, than the commons were, to the existing condition of the churdi*
and after the more objectionable propositions of the commons had been »
withdrawn or modified. Comp. Strype, Whitg. vol. i. p. 347. ToLiiL
pp. I lb. 124. Ann. vol. iii. P. 2. p. 302. Collier, vol.ii. p. 593. Neal's
Purit vol. i. p. 293. Hallam, vol. i. p. 226.
'5^4-] articles presented to parliament, 419
" Sine patrimonio aut tltulo :" that is, not having any
stay of living. As it is manifest in the council of
Chalcedon.
Such as have great cures shall be overburdened with
5 saying of service, preaching, ministering of sacraments, all
themselves. For they shall be destitute of a curate to
help them to say service, to visit the sick, to administer
the sacraments, to catechise, etc. by this means fellow-
ships in colleges, which by their statutes must be in
lo orders, are overthrown.
The second article.
That before the admission of such minister, the bishop
give public notice by writing under his seal, to be fixed
on the church door, that is destitute of a pastor, upon
»5 some Sunday or holy-day in the time of divine service,
signifying the name of the person presented to that
church, or there to be admitted; with intimation that
such as within twenty-six days after, will object against
the admission, shall appear at a place certain before him,
2o and allege such matter, as shall only concern his conver-
sation of life, and thereby his insuflSciency for that place.
The third article.
That the bishop shall not proceed to the admission of
any to be minister of the word and sacraments, before
25 due certificate made in authentic form, and public place,
by him to be assigned, that the process of notice and in-
timation was executed in form aforesaid ; nor before the
expiration of the said twenty-six days, nor without call-
ing for and hearing of such, as upon return of the said
30 process, shall and will object, as aforesaid.
Th^ answer to the second and third articles.
This is unnecessary and in vain, unless he that is to be
admitted, had been dwelling in that parish before. Which
£ e 2
4S0 The bishops' amwer to the hook of [C.
Avill happen very seldom. The writing and sending to
the benefice void, and the return thereof in authentic
form, will be very chargeable to the minister ; especially
where the place is far from the bishop's mansion house.
It also protracteth time, and will administer occasion of ^
quarrelling.
The charges also and delay will be increased, if the
party to be admitted, do stand upon the purgation of the
objections laid against him.
This testimony required of the parishioners, lacking ^^
their pastors, is an introduction to bring the patronage to
the people, and to set a fire among them, for testifying or
not testifying; and that many times of a person they
know not.
The objecting of the people will fietll out many times to '5
be mere malice, whereby immortal hatred will rise among
them.
The person indeed had need be a very ill man, that a
number of the parish will come a long journey to the or-
dinary, on their own costs, to object against him that is *^
to be admitted.
What, if the parish will be negligent and will not re-
turn ? shall they lack a pastor still ? the patron^ if he be
mighty, may enter, lett the return, or procure such as he
shall like of. And who and how many of the parish *5
shall return ?
The fourth article.
It is here to be provided, that where in certain col-
leges, and cathedral and collegiate churches the founda-
tion or statutes require such as are there placed, to be 3
ministers ; it shall be lawful for such as are known to
profess the study of divinity, or otherwise be lawfully dis-
pensed withal, to retain, as before this act they might,
any fellowship or prebend within the said coUegefi^ not-
withstanding they be no ministers.
1584O articles presented to parliament. 4/2\
The afiswer to the fourth article.
I. This utterly overtbrowetb the foundation and sta-
tutes of almost all the colleges in Cambridge and Ox-
ford, being founded principally for the study of divinity,
5 and increase of the number of learned preachers and
ministers. And therefore, not only the master, provost,
warden, president, etc. by the said foundation and statutes
are bounden to be ministers, but divers others also of
such societies are likewise bounden to enter into the
10 ministry by a certain time, or else to yield their places to
others.
II. It will deprive the church of England of the wor-
thiest, best learned, and wisest ministers and preachers.
For there is no comparison between such ministers and
15 preachers, as the universities continually yield, in respect
of such foundations and statutes, and others, being no
university men, or not entering into the ministry, while
they remained there ; as at this day it is notorious. For
although there are divers that can preach, etc. yet they
2 have no substance of learning in them, neither i re they
able to stand M-ith the adversary, either in pulpit or dis-
putation : a thing as well required in a minister as exhor-
tation is.
III. If this device take place, where the universities
IS yield now great number of preachers and ministers, they
would not then yield one for twenty. And so the num-
ber of preachers, which now are thought to be very few,
would then be much less ; and at length the utter decay
of the study of divinity, and the very next way to bring
30 in popery and ignorance again.
IV. It overthrows the degrees of the university, which
are taken in divinity; as the bachelorship and doctorship.
For even sithence the first foundation of them both, it
hath been perpetually used, and it is by statute required,
35 that none should take any of these degrees, but such as
E e 3
422 The iishcp*8 amtcer to the hoot af [C.
are in the ministry. And indeed it is both inconvenient
and absurd that it should be otherwise.
V. At this day, there are in the university of Cam-
bridge an hundred preachers at the least, very worthy
men, and not many less in the university of Oxford : and s
the number daily increaaeth in both, to the great benefit
of the church. But if this might take place, within these
seven years there would not be five ministers in either of
them.
VI. It would cause men all their lifetime to remain in "
the universities ; so that there should be no succession.
VII. It also overthroweth the foundation and statutes
of all cathedral and collegiate churches; and taketh
away the chief and principal reward for learned preachers:
for the best livings for worthy men are in such churches, n
VIII. It taketh away the wisest, best learned, and
gravest divines, such as do and are most able to withstand
not only papists, but other sectaries also.
IX. Every one to keep these places would openly pro-
fess the study of divinity, and secretly study the one law **
or the other, or physic, or some trifling study all his life
long.
X. There will be no care of profiting when there is no
trial thereof, which is most special by open preaching:
which were absurd to be done by no ministers. «5
XI. Any which hath been a student, may under pre-
tence of studjdng divinity, without any trial obtain
deaneries, provostships, prebends, etc. and being a layman,
may live idly on the spoil of the church all his lifid, ex-
cept he taught a benefice. ^
XII. There shall want suflficient trial of the abilities
of preaching of such as are to be bishops, except they be
chosen from some benefice : which breedeth small expe-
rience for governance.
XIII. It would greatly diminish the number of preachers ^
and sennons; which the universities, colleges, and
1584.] ariides presented to parKameni. 4S9
thedral churches do yield both at home and abroad in
every country; in the respect that those, which now have
the livings, are bound to be ministers.
XIV. It taketh away daily service used in these
5 churches (which were impiety) unless it might be said or-
sung by such as are now ministers : which is absurd.
XV. To conclude, it will breed a beggarly, unlearned,
and contemptible clergy and ministry. It is the very
way to overthrow all colleges, cathedral churches, and
10 places of learning. It will extinguish the study of divi-
nity, dimmish the number of preachers, and breed a
great confusion and alteration in the church and com-
monwealth. And it is a piece of T. C. his platform.
XVI. By this the reward of divinity will be taken
15 away, and the divine thrust to a benefice of xl/. This is
covertly to shove at the gospel, to place the lawyers and
others as they please.
XVII. Note, That hereby they woidd have dispensa-
tions to take place against the statutes of colleges and
3o cathedral churches.
The Jijih article.
That none be made minister, but upon some Sunday-
publicly in the cathedral church of the diocese, where
the minister is admitted.
35 The answer.
That he be made public, it is not amiss; but to ob-
serve the precise place of the cathedral churoh, it wiU be
inconvenient ; because divers bishops dwell fsa from their
cathedral churches.
(9 The eixih artide.
That the bishop make no minister but such as be of
his own diocese, and have there continued by the space
of one whole year ; except such only as come from the
universities, and bring testimonials of their meetness
35 under the university seal.
E e 4
424 The bishapi answer to the boot of [C.
The seventh article.
That such as be of the bishop's own diocese, shall
bring with them such a testimonial as is limited in the
statute of anno xiii. Elizab.
The miswer. s
I. These are very expedient and necessary, and even
so provided for by the law.
II. It were more meet also, that these things were
observed, when patrons present to a benefice : and that
as the testimonials do witness their conversation, so the ^^
bishop should without any impeachment of ** Quare im-
pedit,** etc. be judge of their ability in respect of the
cure which they desire.
The eighth article.
That after the receipt of the said testimonial, the ^i
bishop shall not proceed to the making of this person
minister, which bringeth that testimonial, before he shall
declare before the dean and chapter of the cathedral
church, that he well knoweth the persons, by whom the
testimonial is made, to be such as is by the said statute ^^
expressed.
The answer.
This is unnecessary and altogether needless, neither
can it be performed.
The ninth article. '$
That he shall not make any minister but such as shall
be by the dean and chapter, or the more part of them,
or six learned preachers of the diocese then present,
allowed for a man meet and sufficient, by subscription
of their hands to some wTiting, declaring their aasent, ^
in allowing of him.
ij84-] arUdes pre9$ia$d to p^rUammU. 4tt
The answer.
I. It will breed ^great trouble, and not work that
effect which is looked for ; neither can it by all in place
be performed.
5 II. It would also be very chargeable, upon the ab-
sence of the most of the chapter, if the party should
procure the hands of six preachers, dwelling in dis-
persed places.
The tenth article.
lo That none shall have a benefice with cure, being of
the value of xkL yearly in the queen's books, except
he be a master of arts, or a preacher allowed, notwith-
standing that he be made a minister before of some
mean cure.
15 The answer.
It is to be liked of ; so that diligent heed be taken
that none be admitted preachers, but such as be worthy.
II. Concerning escammimicaHon.
The first article.
3o Excommunication is at this time the pain of conta-*
macy, and hath place where a man appeareth not upon
a process, or satisfieth not some order prescribed by the
judge, as not taking some oath, or not paying legadea^
tithes, etc.
35 The second article.
The ofibnces that grow by the practice hereof in this
manner are great. One, that being the highest oensoie
left by the church of God, it is profiemed by npplfhkg it
to temporal and ciyil oaiues. Another, that it is ^ne-
426 The hishcps' answer to tie boot ^ [C.
cuted by men that have no calling in the church, as
chancellors, officials, etc.
Again, forasmuch as the church may not be left with-
out this censure of excommunication, it is to be pro-
vided, that for enormous crimes, as adultery, and such s
other, the same be executed either by the bishops them-
selves, with the assistance of grave persons, or else by
other persons of calling in the church, with the like
assistance, and not by chancellors and ofiScials^ as hath
been used. lo
The answer.
Excommunication hath been used by the ecclesiaflticai
judge, ever sithence there hath been either discipline in
the church, or jurisdiction in the ecclesiastical magistrate,
and is the only punishment thereof: for the ancient law- 15
makers, thinking that blood and bodily pains ought to be
far from ecclesiastical magistrates, have given them this
mild spiritual sword, to divide that person from the
ecclesiastical body, that refuseth to do his ecclesiastical
duties, and to obey the ecclesiastical judge ; not excom- *®
municating every man for twopenny causes, as is sur-
mised (though indeed there be as much in ud. as in cc/.)
but in excommunicating them for not obeying the order,
decree, and sentence of the judge, according to her ma-
jesty's ecclesiastical laws. Even as in a temporal cause *5
of \\d. the party is outlawed, and consequently his fruits
and goods of his lands are at the prince's pleasure, if he
appear not, or obey not ; and yet it is not to be said,
that a man is outlawed for \\d. but for not obeying the
law process and judge, in a twopenny matter. For the ^
smaller the matter is, the greater is the fietult of con-
tumacy and disobedience, saith the law.
Excommunication for process, order not obeyed, taking
some oath, etc. is not for civil causes : but these causes
1584.] orHehi presented to parKameni. 4C7
are ecclesiastical; and what can be more against the
church, than when men will not be ordered by it nor
obey it ? In God's law such as would not be ordered by
their judge, or high priest, were stoned.
6 There is no law nor function in the world void of
exception, and imperfection. And to have it void thereof
*• Est optandum magis, quam spenmdum," as in Plato's
commonwealth.
If excommunication be either taken away or changed,
10 the whole course of the common law of the realm con-
cerning that matter, and touching the writ ** De excom-
mimicato capiendo," must be changed. Wherein many
things, not yet thought on, may happen, and instead
thereof some convenient temporal penalty must be de-
is vised. Which how unliking and unpleasable it will be^
and how full of difficulties, the wise can consider.
And if excommunication be thought fittest to con-
tinue (for that there will be as many inconveniencies, or
more in time found in other things, as in that) and that
^o for the better credit of the proceeding therein, the bishop
be arched to sit in consistory, his whole life will be spent
in his jurisdiction, and in study of law, that he might be
able to discern whether the process be according to law,
before he inflicts the censure; which will be as great
n decay of preaching, as it hath been in foretime. For
the jurisdiction alone requireth ** totum et integrum
hominem,"
Touching the ej^ecutian by men of no catting in the
country.
^^ The jurisdiction in the beginning was jointly in the
bishop, dean, and chapter. Which bred so many
opinions, such impeachments and confusions in proceed-
ing, that by the general custom of the world, generally
the jurisdiction was thought convenient to be exercised
4S8 Tie bishops' answer to the took of [G.
by the bishop alone; which growing greats as the church
and ecclesiastical causes increased, and consequently call-
ing the bishop from his function, the law and constitu-
tions ordered that the official or vicar general of a bishop
or archdeacon, should have the same consistoiy or juris- 5
diction, that the archdeacon or bishop had, and the same
authority to excommunicate. Which by the statutes of
this realm is also allowed to doctors of the law. For
that in later times, divines have wholly employed them-
selves to divinity, and not to the proceedings and study '<>
of the law : whereunto in foretimes the cleigy were more
addicted than to divinity, in respect of the gain and
offices exercised under bishops, archdeacons, and other
ecclesiastical callings, which drew them wholly fix)m
divinity. »s
This excommunication by law was never used, nor
could be used as a punishment of any crime, saving of
notorious heresy, usury, simony, piracy, conspiracy against
the person of the prince, of his state, dignity, or crown,
perturbers of the common peace and quietness of the 20
church or realm, wilful murderers, sacrilegers, perjurers,
and incorrigible and notorious committers of incest and
adulter}^ false witness, and suborners thereof, violent
layers of hands upon ecclesiastical persons, and such
other great and horrible crimes, which were called " sen- 15
tentiiB canonum." Wherein besides the particular pe-
nances, that the bishops and their officers did impose, it
was for more terror provided by ancient canons, that
there should be a general open denunciation of this
excommunication in every cathedral church and parish 3^
church twice in the year.
For other light faults there was no excommunication
permitted or used as a punishment, other than for mani-
fest and wilful contumacy or disobedience in not appear-
ing, when persons were called and summoned for a cause ss
1584-] artkhs pre9$titMl to jparttammt. 4C0
eocleeiastical, or when any sentence or decree of the
bishop or his officer, being deliberately made» was wilt-
fully disobeyed and not performed.
Such wilful contumacy and disobedience to authority
5 is in the law accounted so great, that it is called a oon-
tempt of that '' quod est in jure extremum f that is to
say, if the judge cannot haye appearance of the parties^
or execution of his judgments, here he is at the wall,
and can go no further.
10 Of very ancient time this was the manner of proceed-
ing in this realm, and the only mean of reducing obsti-
nate persons to the obedience of the law«
It may appear by the ancienter statute or act of par-
liament in the 9th year of Edward 11. that it was the
'5 old custom and usage of the realm, long before that
time. The words are these : ^ Si aliqui propter soam
contumaciam manifestam excommunicentur ; ac post
40. dies, dies pro eorum captione scribatur, et pra^
tendunt se privilegiatos ; et sic denegatur breye regium
«o pro captione corporum ? Besponsio regis : Nunquam fdit
negatum, nee negabitur in future.^
It is to be considered, whether this manifest con-
tumacy, and wilful disobedience to the magistrate and
authority be not as well punishable, as when the original
H cause or matter is weighty, the difference whereof dotb
nothing alter the nature of the disobedience.
In this our realm, of very ancient time^ it hath been
observed from time to timei, that there was never altenir
tion made of any law ecclesiastical, although it had ap^
30 pearance to ben^t the state of the clergy ; but that it
turned ever to some notable prejudice.
III. Concerning commutaHon of penance.
That there be no commutation of penance for dn, but
by the order and appointment of the bishop, with the
430 The bishopi ansieer to the look of [C.
assent of the dean and chapter, or the most part of them,
or with tlie assent of six preachers of that diocese.
Tlie answer.
I. The bishop is sufficient for this matter. II, It
were good to inhibit justices of peace, to commute, but 5
to permit them only to punish corporally. And yet not-
withstanding, the parties offending not to be received
into the church, till they have done such penance,
whereby the congregation may be satisfied.
IV. Concerning dispensatiofis. •<>
Tlie first article.
The faculties which did the greatest hurt in the
church of God, were three ; viz. dispensation •* de non
promovendo,** dispensation for pluralities of benefices^
and dispensation for non-residence. 'S
T/ie second artide.
These two last named faculties have bred the disorders
of making vague ministers, whereof have ensued two great
incommodities : one, and the chiefest of all, that the peo-
ple is not taught : the other, that the ministers placed m
in benefices, where the pastor is absent, and having for
the most part small alloM^ance, do post from place to
place for their better preferment, and resting no where,
respect neither their life, nor increase in knowledge. For
men be careful for their conversation, where they are to 15
have continuance. And small account can be taken how
he profiteth, that abideth no where long.
The answer.
The faculty " de non residendo," is so rare, as by the
l)resent archbishoj) there was never any granted. And 30
1584.] articles presented to parliament 481
by the last archbishop never any yielded unto, but by
special requests and warrant from my lords of her ma-
jesty's council ; and that to men qualified in her majesty's
service, or otherwise greatly employed in the common-
5 wealth. And therefore it needeth no such provision by
law.
The faculty of non-residence is also so rare, and granted
in such respects, as sithence the time of this archbishop
there hath not been above one granted, and that to a
10 man of 80 years old ; with whom the law itself dispenseth.
Beside, that the statute of the realm provideth so
sharp a penalty for non-residence, by the forfeiture of yd,
a month, to be recovered in the exchequer, as no man
careth to sue for the faculty, and if they do, it profiteth
15 nothing. For that the statute inflicteth the punishment,
all faculties and dispensation notwithstanding, and a more
severe punishment cannot well be devised.
Touching the faculty of pluralities, the ground thereof
is this. Men of excellent gifts, and extraordinary virtue,
10 oftentimes have no livings or very small living. And
when they cannot attain so great as their quality de-
serveth, the policy of the church hath thought fit to grant
to such an one two livings, as an extraordinary reward
for extraordinary virtue. For if all men could be made
25 fit for all livings, or all livings for all manner of men,
there should have needed no dispensation of pluralities ;
but forasmuch as that cannot be, it is lawful in such ease
of necessity, and for such extraordinary causes, to recede
from the strait and common course of the law. And so
30 hath it been used in all ages. Neither can it be better
policed, nor more restrained, than of late it hath been in
respect both of distance of places, and the value of their
parsonage, with great caution both for their hospitality
and preachings. Besides that the laws being positive
35 that forbid plurality, the difference in reason is very small
between the little benefices not far distant, and one great
;
432 Tie bishopi ansicer to the book of [C.
benefice. And therefore no strange thing, if by like posi-
tive law there be admitted by mitigation a dispensation
of the rigor of law.
Moreover, the number of benefices in Elngland being
about 1 8^000, and the universities not able to furnish the s
third part of them with sufficient men, it is better, that
one worthy man have two benefices, than to be unfur-
nished of living, or be obscurely placed in a small parish
or poor living ; or the same benefices committed to two
unlearned men. lo
The third article.
That no chaplain have two cures, if both amount
above 40/. in the queen's books or be 20 miles distant.
The fourth article.
That none enabled to have two cures, shall eqjoy the 15
same, unless they be under the value aforesaid, and
within 20 miles distant ; and be resident upon one of
them.
The answer to the third and fourth articles.
I. The distance of miles is not to be misliked, but the m
limiting of the value is unreasonable, and tendeth only to
the impoverishing of the ministry, being a state as worthy
of living in many respects, as others of other callings
whatsoever in respect of their calling.
II. The best gifts deserve the best rewards. And«5
therefore it were better to make a limitation, what de-
grees of schools shall only be enabled for the best livings.
III. Dignities, prebends, and places in colleges (as be-
fore) are required by dispensation for laymen. Here the
divine is set at 40/. If a man would deal covertly to 50
pull away religion, how could it do better ?
1584O arHcha pr^Mewkd to parKammU. 4SS
The ^/ih artide.
That no dean of cathedral church, prebendary, or other
having dignity, shall have more than one benefice with
cure, besides his dignity.
^ The eupth article.
That no one have mo dignities or prebaids than two.
The answer to the fifth and eurth a/rtides.
I. It is very unreasonable, and tendeth to the same end
with the third and fourth articles, and will discoorigige
10 men from the ministry, and make a beggarly clargy, iar
unapt to give hospitality, or to do many other things
required of them, and looked for at their hands.
II. It is also very inconvenient, for most of these dig-
nities are decayed within these last fifty years very much.
15 Greater impositions for the service of the realm are laid
upon them. Every thing to be required at double or
treble prices, in respect of that it was then at. • . . And
yet as great or greater hospitality looked for.
The seventh artick.
20 That they, which may have chaplains, shall advance no
more than their number, till the advanced dieth, or
otherwise one of two benefices become void.
I%e answer.
I. This is not to be misliked, unless the party be
H otherwise qualified than by the chaplainship.
II. And yet inconvenience may arise of it. For if a
chaplain doth not behave himself as appertaineth, no
reason he should be retained in servioe^ and it were hard
not to allow another in such a case.
VOL. I. F f
434 The bishcpa" arutoer to the hoot of [C.
The eighth article.
That none shall be chaplain, enabled to two benefices,
except he be master of arts, or allowed by the oidinaiy
as sufficient.
The answer. 5
It is very convenient.
The ninth article.
That none shall be non-resident, but such as be con-
tinually attendant in the houses of such as they are
chaplains unto, w
T/ie answer.
I. To be attendant the greater part of the year were
sufficient. For the other part of the year they may be
at their cure. And besides some have chaplains, which is
attend by course. Which is very convenient*
II. This is very prejudicial for grave men required for
government in the universities. Which may veiy well
discharge both duties.
III. This overthroweth residence in cathedral churches, »
colleges, and deaneries. So that they cannot be attendant
there, except they will leave their benefice, though it be
but one.
The tenth article.
That they shall preach in person yearly, two sermons,
and four sermons besides *^ per se vel per alium." 95
The answer.
I requisite, that they should preaeh
mo sermons even in their own persons.
1584-] (MriMeB premiM to pofUomi^ 4AS
The eievenih attide.
Lastly, To consider, whether it were not meet to abate
the numbers of the chaplains of the archbishops, and
others under thftt degree, that may by the statute keep
5 more than one chaplain.
The answer*
It is not meet. For those of the deigy that have
chaplains allowed, the statute sets down a good con-
sideration. And there are not many such. Besides it is
10 looked for, that they should have preachers about them'
to furnish the want that is in most dioceses.
The twelfth article.
That in cases of pluralities and non-residences, the
bishops shall have the allowing of the minister that shall
15 serve the cure, in the absence of the incumbait; and
the stipend of the said minister to be appointed 1^ the
bishop, according to the sufficiency of the minister. So
that the same stipend do not exceed the third part of the
clear yearly value of the benefice.
30 The answer.
This is very reasonable and according to law.
The thirteenth article.
There is one faculty of great inconvenienoe granted not
only by the court of faculties, but by the chancellor of
35 every diocese, viz. The dispensation of marriage without
banns asking. By occasion whereof, chQdren make d^
ordered matches without the assent of their parents; and
orphans are left to the spoil of unthrift penons.
436 The huhopf amwer to the boat ofartieki. [C.
The answer.
I. It may be so qualified that no inconyenience shall
ensue thereof. II. There be divers reasonable occasions,
that daily happen which may hinder the thrice asking of
banns; which causes are meet to be considered of and 5
allowed by the ordinary, or his deputy. III. The incon-
venience that is proposed is in most dioceses already met
withal, by putting these conditions in the faculty ; viz.
that they have their governors' consent ; that there is no
suit for matrimony depending; no precontract^ nor any'^
other impediment, which the party is by a bond with
sureties bound unto. So that by this mean^ this incon-
venience is better met withal, than by asking the banns
thrice ; which may be done, and yet these impediments
remain. IV. And since the bonds have been qualified '^
as is above said, being about one twelvemonth past, expe-
rience doth teach, that none of the pretended inconve*
niences have happened.
A general answer to aU the articles of excommunieationy
commutation^ and dispensation.
Generally, This alteration, confusion, and abridgment <<>
of exercise of that jurisdiction will shortly decay the pro-
fession of the canon law, and civil law together. Whereby
divers now are bred up in learning, in languages, in
studies ; so that they are enabled to serve the realm in
any foreign service, as well as any one sort of learned '5
men in the realm besides.
END OF VOL. I. J
9.
t
#